” The 2019 World Indigenous Housing Conference on the Gold Coast will bring together over 2,000 Indigenous leaders, government, industry and academia representing Housing, health, and education from around the world including:
National and International Indigenous Organisation leadership
Senior housing, health, and education government officials Industry CEOs, executives and senior managers from public and private sectors
Housing, Healthcare, and Education professionals and regulators
Consumer associations
Academics in Housing, Healthcare, and Education.
The 2019 World Indigenous Housing Conference is pleased to announce the following invited speakers who bring their expertise and knowledge to share with attendees at 2019WIHC.
Our local and international speakers will bring to life the focus areas of this three-day conference on the Gold Coast.
Their keynote presentations will be complemented by concurrent sessions, panel discussions, plenary sessions and networking opportunities.
” Thousands of Aboriginal Territorians are being left in limbo as a remote housing squabble between the Commonwealth and NT Governments reaches an “outrageous, crazy” fever pitch.
Key points:
The NT Government has handed over the maintenance and management of 44 remote Aboriginal communities’ housing to the Commonwealth
Chief Minister Michael Gunner’s move has been slammed by Indigenous Affairs Minister Nigel Scullion as unconstitutional
CEO of AMSANT John Paterson said Indigenous Territorians were being treated like political footballs
Mr Gunner’s decision will mean the NT Labor Government’s hallmark $1.1 billion housing policy will cease to be rolled out across those 44 communities in Central Australia, the West Daly, Tiwi Islands and Arnhem Land.
‘Treated like a political football’: John Patterson AMSANT
Indigenous leaders have voiced their anger at how the negotiations have been handled.
John Paterson, chief executive officer of the Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance Northern Territory, said his board was “absolutely furious that we can’t get two governments to sort out … an essential service such as housing for Indigenous Territorians”.
“We have Indigenous Territorians that are suffering from rheumatic heart disease, from other serious chronic illnesses, living in substandard housing throughout the NT, who had all these promises from both levels of government and here we have a big spit-fight between the two governments and using the Aboriginal housing as a political football,” Mr Paterson said.
“This is absolutely disgraceful and a lack of leadership from everyone.”
Mr Paterson said he would be taking further action with the Federal Government if no resolution was sorted out promptly.
“If we can’t get a resolution or find a solution to this fairly quickly, then we’ll be writing to the Prime Minister to seek his intervention as he’s done with the Close the Gap process and demonstrate and provide the appropriate leadership to have this resolved,” he said.
“Australian State and Territory Health Ministers discussed the conditions that make up the health gap for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and are associated with a range of social and environmental determinants.
Communicable diseases in particular share the same environmental risk factors of poor cleanliness and hygiene, the impacts of which are exacerbated by overcrowded living conditions.
Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD) are two examples of diseases resulting from overcrowding and poverty in remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. ”
As you may be aware the National Congress and the National Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Housing Authority (NATSIHA) are hosting the 2019 World Indigenous Housing Conference.
NATSIHA a peak body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Housing has been formed as a response to the Redfern Statement.
They have the United Nations Special Rapporteur for Indigenous Peoples and the UN Special Rapporteur for Adequate Housing attending along with Community representatives from Australia, NZ , USA, Canada , Fiji , Samoa , Tonga just to name a few.
There are Ministerial Delegations from a number of Countries and DFAT will be hosting a side event. This will not be a talk fest as a report will be taken to the UN Permeant Forum next year by the UN Special Rapporteur Indigenous Peoples.
The 2019 World Indigenous Housing Conference #2019WIHC is the principal conference to provide a platform for leaders in housing, health, education and related services from around the world to come together.
Up to 2000 delegates will share experiences, explore opportunities and innovative solutions, work to improve access to adequate housing and related services for the world’s Indigenous people.
Event Information:
Key event details as follows:
Venue: Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre
Address: 2684-2690 Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach QLD 4218
Dates: Monday 20th – Thursday 23rd May, 2019 (24th May)
Registration Costs
After 1 February FULL CONFERENCE & TRADE EXHIBITION REGISTRATION $2245 AUD plus booking fees
PLEASE NOTE: The Trade Exhibition is open Tuesday 21st May – Thursday 23rd May 2019
Please visit www.2019wihc.com for further information on transport and accommodation options, conference, exhibition and speaker updates.
Methods of Payment:
2019WIHC online registrations accept all major credit cards, by Invoice and direct debit. PLEASE NOTE: Invoices must be paid in full and monies received by COB Monday 20 May 2019.
Please note: The 2019 WIHC organisers reserve the right of admission. Speakers, programs and topics are subject to change.
If a registrant is unable to attend 2019 WIHC for any reason they may substitute, by arrangement with the registrar, someone else to attend in their place and must attend any session that has been previously selected by the original registrant.
Where the registrant is unable to attend and is not in a position to transfer his/her place to another person, or to another event, then the following refund arrangements apply:
Registrations cancelled less than 60 days, but more than 30 days before the event are eligible for a 50% refund of the registration fees paid.
Registrations cancelled less than 30 days before the event are no longer eligible for a refund.
Refunds will be made in the following ways:
For payments received by credit or debit cards, the same credit/debit card will be refunded.
For all other payments, a bank transfer will be made to the payee’s nominated account.
Important: For payments received from outside Australia by bank transfer, the refund will be made by bank transfer and all bank charges will be for the registrant’s account. The Cancellation Policy as stated on this page is valid from 1 October 2018.
” We welcome the COAG Health Council’s commitment to the RHD Roadmap today.
The RHD Roadmap was developed by the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) on behalf of END RHD.
We look forward to supporting the AHMAC review of the RHD Roadmap, and ask that the National RHD Steering Committee – which underpins governance of the RHD Roadmap – be convened as a matter of priority to oversee development of the implementation plan. ”
END RHD Press Release see 2.30 below for full release
“ The need to close the gap for vision and achieve a world class system of eye health and vision care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is a critically important objective and rightly belongs on the national agenda.”
The fact Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are still three times more likely to experience blindness than non-Indigenous Australians illustrates the need for action.
We welcome the leadership shown by Minister Wyatt in bringing this issue to the COAG Health Council, and strongly encourage all governments and all sides of politics to join together with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, their organisations and Vision 2020 Australia members to close the gap for vision.”
Vision 2020 Australia CEO Judith Abbott:
The Federal, state and territory Health Ministers met in Adelaide last Friday at the COAG Health Council to discuss a range of national health issues.
The meeting was chaired by the Hon Roger Cook MLA, Western Australian Minister for Health and Mental Health.
Major items discussed by Health Ministers today included:
1.National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and Medical Workforce Plan
2. Roadmaps to address high priority health issues for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People
2.1 Renal Health
2.2Eye Health
2.3 Rheumatic Heart Disease
2.4 Hearing Health
3.Diseases of housing overcrowding and poverty in remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
1.National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and Medical Workforce Plan
At the August 2018 Indigenous Roundtable Health Ministers agreed to develop a National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Health and Medical Workforce Plan that provides a career path, national scope of practice and attracts more Indigenous people into health professions.
Ministers discussed the approach to develop the Plan noting that the Commonwealth will provide resources to lead its drafting, in full consultation with states and territories and other key stakeholders.
Ministers noted that in the course of developing the Plan, there may be value in engaging with other relevant COAG councils with workforce and skills responsibilities to realise meaningful, sustainable outcomes.
A draft Plan will be submitted to the next CHC Indigenous Roundtable in July 2019.
Roadmaps to address high priority health issues for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People
At the July 2018 COAG Health Council meeting, Health Ministers discussed the potentially preventable burden of disease in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities caused by a number of health conditions. They discussed work to date to address these health conditions and opportunities to build on these efforts within the context of the Implementation Plan for the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan 2013–2023.
Today Health Ministers discussed four roadmaps to be a framework to deliver collaborative policies and programs to address this key health challenge. Ministers committed to working jointly to ending rheumatic heart disease and avoidable blindness and deafness.
Ministers referred the roadmaps to the Australian Health Ministers’ Advisory Council for review and reporting back in November 2019.
2.1 Renal Health
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experience a disproportionate burden of renal disease. Research shows non-Indigenous patients are nearly four times more likely to receive kidney transplants, and Indigenous people are nine times as likely to rely on dialysis.
Ministers noted the Renal Health Roadmap, developed by the Commonwealth in conjunction with key stakeholders, as a framework to deliver collaborative policies and programs.
2.2 Eye Health
The rate of vision impairment and blindness in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is three times higher than non-Indigenous Australians. The leading causes of vision loss and blindness in Indigenous adults are uncorrected refractive error, cataract and diabetic retinopathy. Ministers noted the Eye Health Roadmap as a framework to deliver collaborative policies and programs.
Vision 2020 Press Release
Vision 2020 Australia welcomes the leadership shown by the Minister for Indigenous Health Ken Wyatt AM, along with his state and territory counterparts, in discussing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye health and vision at today’s COAG Health Council Meeting.
Too many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people still experience avoidable vision loss and blindness, and those who have lost vision often find it difficult to access the support and services they need.
Our members are working hard to improve eye care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and the plan discussed today is a product of their extensive input and expertise.
We encourage all governments, all sides of politics, and the many others involved in this area to work closely with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and their organisations to achieve and sustain real improvements in eye health and vision for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across our nation.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s eye health – key facts
Cataract is the leading cause of blindness for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults and is 12 times more common than for non-Indigenous Australians.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people wait on average 63% longer for cataract surgery than non-Indigenous Australians.
Almost two-thirds of vision impairment among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is due to uncorrected refractive error – often treatable with a pair of glasses.
One in 10 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults has Diabetic Retinopathy, which can lead to irreversible vision loss.
Australia is the only developed country to still have Trachoma, found predominately in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
2.3 Rheumatic Heart Disease
Rheumatic heart disease is a disease of disadvantage that affects primarily Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. It is caused by an episode or recurrent episodes of acute rheumatic fever where the heart valves remain stretched or scarred, interrupting normal bloodflow. The Roadmap has used the best available evidence to identify priority actions for the next 10 years.
We welcome the COAG Health Council’s commitment to the RHD Roadmap today. The RHD Roadmap was developed by the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) on behalf of END RHD.
We look forward to supporting the AHMAC review of the RHD Roadmap, and ask that the National RHD Steering Committee – which underpins governance of the RHD Roadmap – be convened as a matter of priority to oversee development of the implementation plan.
We look forward to working with the Commonwealth and jurisdictional governments, implementing organisations, and communities, to ensure the RHD Roadmap is implemented in a timely, consultative manner, in line with the COAG Implementation Principles as informed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities.
We thank Ministers Wyatt and Hunt for commissioning and championing the RHD Roadmap. We thank all our partners who contributed their experience, wisdom, and energies in preliminary consultation.
Our goal is to end rheumatic heart disease in Australia. This RHD Roadmap provides a critical opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to lead the way to achieve that shared vision.
2.4 Hearing Health
Hearing loss is a complex issue that affects millions of Australians. It is often considered a hidden or invisible issue as, despite the high prevalence of hearing loss, there is limited awareness in the broader community. There is a disproportionate impact on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people due to ear disease that profoundly affects their life experiences through childhood and into adulthood. This has a significant impact on community engagement, education, employment and engagement with the criminal justice system. The Roadmap sets out the short, medium and long-term actions to address the key hearing health issues that have been identified.
3. Diseases of housing overcrowding and poverty in remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
Health Ministers discussed the conditions that make up the health gap for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and are associated with a range of social and environmental determinants. Communicable diseases in particular share the same environmental risk factors of poor cleanliness and hygiene, the impacts of which are exacerbated by overcrowded living conditions. Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD) are two examples of diseases resulting from overcrowding and poverty in remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Other Issues
National Health Reform Agreement – Resolving reconciliation and back casting
Health Ministers discussed differing approaches to the application of back casting in the Activity Based Funding model for Commonwealth funding to states and territories under the National Health Reform Agreement.
State and Territory Ministers will develop a joint set of policy principles and directions on a clear methodology for the calculation of hospital funding for use by the national funding bodies, which will be presented to COAG by June 2019.
Australian National Breastfeeding Strategy: 2019 and Beyond
The World Health Organization’s (WHO) global nutrition target is to increase the rate of exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months up to at least 50 percent by 2025. Low breastfeeding rates and the use of infant formula within the first year of life are linked to obesity and other chronic diseases in later life.
In 2016, Health Ministers agreed to develop an enduring breastfeeding strategy following the conclusion of the Australian National Breastfeeding Strategy 2010-2015. The latest National Health Survey data shows that only around 25% of babies are exclusively breastfed to around six months.
The Australian National Breastfeeding Strategy: 2019 and Beyond seeks to achieve the World Health Organization target of 50% of babies exclusively breastfed to around six months by 2025, including a particular focus on those from priority populations and vulnerable groups. To achieve this objective, actions are proposed across three priority areas: structural enablers; settings that enable breastfeeding; and individual enablers.
Ministers discussed the Australian National Breastfeeding Strategy: 2019 and Beyond and committed to provide a supportive and enabling environment for breastfeeding mothers, infants and families. Ministers were of the view that investing in breastfeeding is an investment in chronic disease prevention and better health.
The Commonwealth Department of Health will lead national policy coordination, monitoring and evaluation and report annually on implementation progress to the Australian Health Ministers’ Advisory Council.
Professional Indemnity Insurance for Privately Practicing Midwives
In 2010, the introduction of the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law Act 2009 saw the requirement for registered health practitioners to have appropriate professional indemnity insurance in place. Despite exhaustive national and international investigations, no available or affordable commercial product in Australia covers Privately Practicing Midwives for homebirth.
Health Ministers considered the issue of professional indemnity insurance for privately practicing midwives. Health Ministers emphasised that the safety of mothers and their babies is paramount.
Health Ministers recognised that the availability of a suitable professional indemnity insurance product covering private home births would be preferable, as it would allow privately practicing midwives to remain registered under the National Law without the need for an exemption, continue to provide choice to women and take into account the rights of women and children.
In the absence of a suitable professional indemnity insurance product for privately practicing midwives, Health Ministers requested that AHMAC would complete additional work to inform the decision of Ministers in relation to the way forward by June 2020.
Health Ministers agreed for the current exemption under the National Law to be extended until December 2021 to allow time for options to be explored further.
Update on ageing and aged care matters including the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety
All Australian Health Ministers are committed to the highest quality care for older Australians.
The Minister for Indigenous Health and Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care, the Hon Ken Wyatt MP, provided an update on recent ageing and aged care initiatives, announcements and the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.
The Royal Commission has a broad scope to inquire into all forms of Commonwealth-funded aged care services, regardless of the setting in which those services are delivered. It will look at the aged care sector as a whole, including younger people with disabilities living in residential age care.
Ministers also discussed a range of issues relating to safe and quality care for older Australians, for example, the provision of primary and community care services to aged care consumers, access to acute care and rehabilitation services, timely movement of consumers from hospital to aged care services and engagement on the implementation of effective mechanisms to regulate restraint in aged care.
Update on National Missions under the Medical Research Future Fund
National Medical Research Future Fund Missions are large programs of work with ambitious objectives to address complex and sizeable health issues that are only possible through significant investment, leadership and collaboration. They bring together key researchers, health professionals, stakeholders, industry partners, patients and governments to tackle significant health challenges, for example brain cancer and dementia.
Today Health Ministers received an update from the Commonwealth Minister for Health on the five national Missions and the Indigenous Health Futures announced to date and increased opportunities for contestable grant rounds to support health and medical research.
The five missions are
Australian Brain Cancer Mission
Genomics Health Futures Mission
Million Minds Mental Health Research Mission
Dementia, Ageing and Aged Care Research Mission
Mission for Cardiovascular Health
The research work also includes the Indigenous Health Futures for which $160 million from the MRFF has been committed over ten years for a national research initiative to improve the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Health Ministers supported the work of the research Missions and the Indigenous Health Futures, agreeing to work together towards achieving their aims.
Resolving outstanding National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) implementation issues
Health Ministers acknowledged the significant efforts being made by all jurisdictions to resolve issues that arise from the interface between the NDIS and health systems.
Mental Health Services
States and territories expressed concerns about access to necessary primary care mental health services. States, territories and the Commonwealth will work constructively so that access to primary mental health services is improved particularly for consumers outside the NDIS.
Regulation of misleading public health information
The Queensland Health Minister provided an update on regulation of misleading public health information in relation to misleading or inaccurate information regarding vaccines or vaccination programs.
Ministers welcomed the prompt action and leadership of the Outdoor Media Association to apply the intent of the Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code (No.2) 2018, so that advertising connected to therapeutic goods ‘must not be inconsistent with current public health campaigns.’
Tobacco industry issues
Australia has been a world leader in legislation restricting the promotion and advertising of tobacco-related products through sport, and in taking a precautionary approach to the control of smoke-free products such as e-cigarettes.
The tobacco industry is investing heavily in smoke-free products and has established associated sports sponsorships launched at the start of the 2019 F1 and MotoGP championship seasons, presenting a challenge to tobacco control legislation.
Victoria raised the issue that e-liquids for use in e-cigarettes are not in child safe packaging, do not contain sufficient warnings and may be dangerous or fatal for young children.
Health Ministers today discussed a national approach to the prohibition of smoke-free, e-cigarette and related sponsorship and advertising in sport, based on existing tobacco control principles and legislation. This approach will have the capacity to respond to emerging products and forms of marketing.
Health Ministers also noted that the Clinical Principal Committee will develop options to better regulate e-cigarettes and related products including consideration of the need to introduce child proof lids and plain packaging, with options to be provided to the COAG Health Council for consideration.
National Medical Workforce Strategy
A National Medical Workforce Strategy is necessary to guide long-term, collaborative medical workforce planning across Australia.
The Strategy will match the supply of general practitioners, medical specialists and consultant physicians to predicted medical service needs and will involve consultation with a range of stakeholders. Health Ministers will fund the development of a National Medical Workforce Strategy. This will include sharing of data across Commonwealth and other jurisdictions to support the strategy.
It is expected that the Strategy will address several system-level issues including:
the number and distribution of specialist training positions and how these might be better aligned to community needs
access to the full range of medical services, including maternity services, in regional, rural and remote areas
the current reliance on overseas trained doctors to fill specific workforce shortages and how Australia can improve self-sufficiency in medical workforce development
integration of medical care between settings and professions
improving workplace culture and doctor wellbeing
the under-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander doctors in the medical workforce.
A Steering Committee has been established under the National Medical Training Advisory Network to guide this work.
Options for a nationally consistent approach to the regulation of spinal manipulation on children
Health Ministers noted community concerns about the unsafe spinal manipulation on children performed by chiropractors and agreed that public protection was paramount in resolving this issue.
Ministers welcomed the advice that Victoria will commission an independent review of the practice of spinal manipulation on children under 12 years, and the findings will be reported to the COAG Health Council, including the need for changes to the National Law.
Ministers supported the examination of an increase in penalties for advertising offences, such as false, misleading or deceptive advertising, under the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law, to bring these into line with community expectations and penalties for other offences under the National Law. This decision was informed by recent consultation about potential reforms to the National Law in 2018.
Ministers will consider the outcomes of the independent review and determine any further changes needed to protect the public.
6.VIC: Karen Heap Ballarat & District Aboriginal Co-operative
7.SA: Vicki Holmes Nunkuwarrin Yunti of South Australia
8.WA: Lesley Nelson South West Aboriginal Medical Service
9.ACT: Julie Tongs Winnunga Nimmityjah Health and Community Service
10. QLD: Gail Wason Mulungu Primary Health Care Service
“Aboriginal women are the best advocates and leaders for health and wellbeing in their own families and in the broader community.
They are proving to be effective role models, mentors and influencers for the next generation of Aboriginal female leaders.
Recently NACCHO CEO Pat Turner told a women’s leadership summit
As mothers, aunts, grandmothers, sisters and daughters, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women have culturally and historically always played a pivotal role in supporting and caring for families in our communities so working in the health sector was a natural progression.
For over 47 years Indigenous health activists like Dr Naomi Mayers, Coleen Shirley (Mum Shirl) Smith AM MBE, Jill Gallagher AO, Vicki O’Donnell, Pamela Mam, and the late Mary Buckskin have been just some of our leaders who have successfully advocated for community controlled, culturally respectful, needs based approach to improving the health and wellbeing outcomes of our people.
As a result of their leadership and years of commitment as role models they have now paved the way for 10 women to be on the NACCHO board, 71 Indigenous women promoted to CEO’s out of 145 Organisations who employ over 6,000 staff with a majority being Indigenous woman
Our ACCHO network has successfully provided a critical and practical pathway for the education, training and employment for many Indigenous women.But much more needs to be done to develop viable career pathways to graduate more Indigenous women doctors, nurses and allied health professionals.
Last year NACCHO, RANZCOG and other medical college Presidents met with the Minister for Indigenous Health and other ministers in Canberra who are all determined to do everything possible to Close the Gap in health outcomes.
Creating career pathways for Indigenous women in our workforce will be a good starting point to continue supporting the theme ” More powerful together ”
1.National : Donnella Mills – Chair NACCHO and Wuchopperen Health Service QLD
Donnella is a Torres Strait Islander woman with ancestral and family links to Masig and Nagir in the Torres Strait.
She is a Cairns–based lawyer with LawRight, a Community Legal Centre which coordinates the provision of pro-bono civil legal services to disadvantaged and vulnerable members of the community. Donnella is currently the project lawyer for the Wuchopperen Health Justice Partnership through a partnership with LawRight. This innovative Health Justice Partnership is an exciting model of providing access to justice, where lawyers and health professionals collaborate to provide better health outcomes and access to justice for patients with legal issues.
Donnella said she was “very excited about the opportunity to contribute to working the new Chairperson, the new board and the NACCHO Executive to drive the national health debate, develop community led solution, and to champion why Community-Controlled is the pinnacle model in achieving greater autonomy and self-determination for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Utilising a legal lens in which to view health, social justice, human rights, and access to justice, my commitment is to deliver expanded and enhanced innovative health services that are community driven and community led, addressing core systemic social determinant issues that have a direct impact on our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.”
2.NT: Donna Ah Chee CEO Central Australian Aboriginal Congress
Ms Ah Chee is the Chief Executive Officer of the Central Australian Aboriginal Congress Aboriginal Corporation, the Aboriginal community controlled primary health care service in Alice Springs.
Ms Ah Chee is a Bundgalung woman from the far north coast of New South Wales and has lived in Alice Springs for over 25 years.
She has been actively involved in Aboriginal affairs for many years, especially in the area of Aboriginal adult education and Aboriginal health. In June 2011, Ms Ah Chee moved to Canberra to take up the position of Chief Executive Officer of the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation before returning to Congress in July 2012.
Ms Ah Chee convened the Workforce Working Party under the Northern Territory Aboriginal Health Forum, was Chairperson of the Central Australian Regional Indigenous Health Planning Committee, a member of the Northern Territory Child Protection External Monitoring Committee and jointly headed up the Northern Territory Government’s Alcohol Framework Project Team.
She currently sits on the National Drug and Alcohol Committee and at a local level, represents the Congress on the People’s Alcohol Action Coalition.
3.NSW: LaVerne Bellear CEO Redfern Aboriginal Medical Service
LaVerne Bellear a descendant from the Nunukle Tribe of south-eastern Queensland, grew up in the northern part of the Bundjalung Nation (north coast New South Wales).
LaVerne strongly believes that empowering Aboriginal people will create opportunity to make better informed decisions and choices regarding personal management of health care, ultimately resulting in better health outcomes. LaVerne has extensive experience in Aboriginal health, having worked in community health, Aboriginal controlled health services and as the Director, Aboriginal Health, Northern Sydney Local Health District.
Recently, LaVerne has taken up the position of CEO, Aboriginal Medical Service Cooperative at Redfern, New South Wales.
She has been a state representative on a number of working parties and committees concerning Aboriginal health. LaVerne has a Bachelor of Business, a Professional Certificate in Indigenous Research in Training and Practices and is studying a Master of Public Health at The University of New South Wales.
Raylene Foster is a palawa women from the Cygnet area. She commenced her career in hospitality, becoming a chef, and then moved into adult teaching within the TAFE institute.
Raylene took on a six-month secondment to Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre in 1995 and stayed; she has now been with the TAC for over 20 years
She’s had varying roles within the TAC, including the Director of the Aboriginal Community School, Workforce Development Officer, Emotional and Social Wellbeing Coordinator and over the past 15 years the Manager of the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre in the South, which includes the Aboriginal Health Service.
Raylene has a Graduate Certificate in Administration and an Advanced Diploma in Human Resources, as well as Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs and Mental Health and a facilitator in the SMART Recovery program. Raylene is passionate about children’s wellbeing and keeping families connected to break the cycle of institutionalisation, separations and trauma-related illnesses.
Raylene’s Abstract For This Months Rural Health Conference in Hobart
The Aboriginal cultural camp was an initiative that commenced in 2016 for Tasmanian registrars, GPs and members of the Tasmanian Aboriginal community. We wanted to go beyond the basic requirements of attendance at cultural training, to offer an immersion in to Aboriginal culture, on Aboriginal country, with mutual benefit for the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities.
The camp is held annually at trawtha makuminya, Aboriginal-owned land in the Central Highlands of Tasmania, from a Friday afternoon until a Sunday afternoon. Registrars, General Practitioners, Practice Staff and General Practice Training Tasmania staff and family members attend, in addition to the TAC staff Camp Organisers and Caterers, Cultural and Land Educators, Elders and community members.
The weekend involves an official welcome speech, dance and music, yarning around the campfire, guided walks with discussion about Aboriginal history, the land and stone tools, kayaking, basket weaving, hand stencilling, clap stick making, and a session of “You Can’t Ask That”. There is a medical education session and participants hear from an Aboriginal Health Worker and Aboriginal Enrolled Nurse about the services offered by the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre.
There is a lot of informal discussion about culture and life stories shared by both the adults and the children.
The feedback given to date, both informally and through the evaluation forms, is overwhelmingly positive. Participants value the beautiful location, the opportunity to spend time with community members outside the clinical setting, the obvious connection to country displayed by the Aboriginal community and the sharing of stories in a cultural exchange.
5.NT: Olga Havnen CEO Danila Dilba Health Service Darwin
Olga is of Western Arrente descent and grew up in Tennant Creek. Her great-grandfather was Ah Hong, a Chinese cook who worked on the Overland Telegraph Line[2] whose partner was an Aboriginal woman in Alice Springs.
Their daughter Gloria, Havnen’s grandmother, was the first Aboriginal woman to own a house in Alice Springs. Havnen’s father was a Norwegian sailor who jumped ship in Adelaide and her mother, Pegg lived in Tennant Creek. Havnen went to boarding school in Townsville, Queensland.[3]
Olga Havnen has held positions as the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Programs Co-ordinator for the Australian Red Cross, Senior Policy Officer in the Northern Territory Government’s Indigenous Policy Unit, Indigenous Programs Director with the Fred Hollows Foundation, and Executive Officer with the National Indigenous Working Group.
And was the Coordinator General of Remote Service Provision from 2011 until October 2012, when the Northern Territory Government controversially abolished the position.[4]
She released one report which detailed deficiencies in Northern Territory and Commonwealth Government’s service provision to remote communities in the Northern Territory.[5]
She is currently the Chief Executive Officer of the Danila Dilba Health Service in Darwin, an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service.[1]
Karen Heap, a Yorta Yorta woman, has been the CEO of Ballarat and District Aboriginal Cooperative for 12 years and brings with her a vast amount of knowledge and skillsets procured from extensive experience within the Aboriginal Service Sector.
Karen Heap was recently the winner of the Walda Blow Award ( pictured above )
This award was established by DHHS in partnership with the Victorian Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People, in memory of Aunty Walda Blow – a proud Yorta
Yorta and Wemba Wemba Elder who lived her life in the pursuit of equality.
Aunty Walda was an early founder of the Dandenong and District Aboriginal Cooperative and worked for over 40 years improving the lives of the Aboriginal community. This award recognises contributions of an Aboriginal person in Victoria to the safety and wellbeing of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children and young people.
Karen ensures the safety and wellbeing of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children and young people are always front and centre.
Karen has personally committed her support to the Ballarat Community through establishing and continuously advocating for innovative prevention, intervention and reunification programs.
As the inaugural Chairperson of the Alliance, Karen contributions to establishing the identity and achieving multiple outcomes in the Alliance Strategic Plan is celebrated by her peers and recognised by the community service sector and DHHS.
Karen’s leadership in community but particularly for BADAC, has seen new ways of delivering cultural models of care to Aboriginal children, carers and their families, ensuring a holistic service is provided to best meet the needs of each individual and in turn benefit the community.
7.SA: Vicki Holmes Nunkuwarrin Yunti of South Australia
Vicki Holmes is an Aboriginal woman descended from the Tanganekald and Western Aranda clan. Vicki has been with Nunkuwarrin Yunti for 32 years where she has had many roles; her first position was the medical receptionist but she also did whatever was needed including home visits, transport and hospital visits.
In 1986, Vicki became the Health Coordinator and while in this role programs such as women’s health, HIV, diabetes, mental health and social/welfare support expanded and developed. In 2010, Vicki became the CEO of Nunkuwarrin Yunti of South Australia. As CEO of Nunkuwarrin Yunti, she holds positions on the Boards of NACCHO, the Aboriginal Health Council of South Australia, Research Excellence in Aboriginal Community Controlled Health (REACCH), and First Peoples National Congress.
Her vision for Nunkuwarrin Yunti is around what she calls the four Cs: Community, Communication, Caring, Consistency. Vicki has always been passionate about the social and emotional wellbeing of the Aboriginal community.
8.WA: Lesley Nelson CEO South West Aboriginal Medical Service
SWAMS are united by the drive and passion to provide culturally safe, accessible and holistic health care to the Aboriginal people of the South West. WA
As an organisation, they continue to attract and employ culturally appropriate and professional staff members. SWAMS employs over 70 staff members including specialist Aboriginal Health Practitioners, Dietitians, Nurses, Midwives, Mental Health workers and Social Workers and because of this, we are able to provide a large and diverse range of services to the community.
In addition to this, they strive to create Aboriginal career pathways and opportunities across the sector and maintain a positive percentage of ATSI employees
Last year as preparations got underway for the South West Aboriginal Medical Service’s 20th anniversary, centre chief executive officer Lesley Nelson has reflected on how far indigenous health has advanced in the South West in that time.
Ms Nelson said the centre started small with a handful of staff and a desire to improve Aboriginal health outcomes in the region.
Over the next 20 years, it expanded with clinics in Bunbury, Busselton, Manjimup, Collie and Brunswick.
“We started after local elders held discussions with a number of key groups about developing a culturally appropriate service to address the health-related issues of the South West’s Indigenous population,” she said.
“Since then we’ve gone from strength-to-strength, offering a number of employment opportunities in the sector, training programs and improved health outcomes.”
Ms Nelson said the local service played an important role in the community.
“Being based in a number of country towns ensured locals can access our services conveniently, especially if they lack transport options to the bigger cities,” she said.
“We offer an important service because we intervene and manage issues early on and slowly we are improving the health of the South West Noongar people.
“We are also standing out nationally when it comes to maternal and child health.”
Moving forward, SWAMS are keen to continue growing, participating in more research studies and working collaboratively with other similar services to offer a whole of community approach to improved health.
9.ACT: Julie Tongs Winnunga Nimmityjah Health and Community Service
Julie Tongs OAM has been the Chief Executive Officer of Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health and Community Services since 1998. Julie has more than 30 years experience working in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander affairs and in particular has extensive experience in advising, formulating, implementing and evaluating public health initiatives, programs and policy at a local, regional and national level.
Julie has been a national leader and strong advocate of quality improvement initiatives within the Aboriginal Community Controlled sector.
Julie is the recipient of a number of awards, including the ACT Governor General’s Centenary Medal and the ACT Indigenous Person of the Year. In 2011 Julie received the ACT Local Hero Award within the Australian of the Year Awards 2012, and in 2012 Julie was honoured with the Medal of the Order of Australia.
Julie’s vision is that Winnunga continues to build on its reputation as a national leader in the provision of holistic primary health care services delivered in a culturally appropriate environment that achieves improved health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Julie is committed to ensuring that Winnunga offers services that are delivered consistent with best practice standards.
10 .QLD: Gail Wason Mulungu Primary Health Care Service
‘We see the best way to build capacity and capability within our corporation is by encouraging strong leaders, maintaining effective governance, ensuring strong systems, and keeping focused on accountable performance management.
Mulungu help our clients to make informed decisions. We work in health but we also work across education and job opportunities. Our model supports individuals who want to do the best for themselves, their family and their community.’
CEO Gail Wason.
Gail is the Chief Executive Officer of Mulungu Primary Health Care Service in Mareeba. She has over 25 years’ experience in Aboriginal affairs and health, and an unwavering commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of her community.
Gail strives to ensure that the community has access to the full range of high quality, culturally appropriate primary health care services that empowers clients to fully participate in the management of their own health.
She has served as QAIHC’s Far North Queensland Director and Chairperson of QAIHC’s Finance Committee and has worked closely with the Board for many years.
Mulungu Aboriginal Corporation Medical Centre is an Aboriginal community-controlled health organisation working to improve the lives of Indigenous people in and around Mareeba.
The centre was established in 1991 and incorporated under the CATSI Act in 1993.
The rural town of Mareeba—a word from local Aboriginal language meaning ‘meeting of the waters’—is located on the Atherton Tablelands where the Barron River meets Granite Creek. Traditionally Muluridji people inhabited this land.
‘Although the bright lights of Cairns are only 65 kilometres away we feel like a stand-alone, small country town,’ says chair of the Mulungu board of directors (and valued volunteer) Alan Wason. ‘We have a population of 10,000 and our own identity separate from Cairns.’
The town of Mareeba may be a little tucked away but it has much to offer, including Mulungu Aboriginal Corporation Medical Centre—a bright, open, modern building—which employs a large professional staff who work as a team and support each other. Everyone is passionate about providing top quality holistic health care to the community through Mulungu’s programs and services.
Mulungu’s mission is to provide comprehensive primary health care to the community in culturally, socially and emotionally appropriate ways. It’s about handing back power to the people to manage their own health, wellbeing and spiritual needs. So as well as providing clinical health care services Mulungu ‘auspices’ other important primary health care programs, including the Mareeba Children and Families Centre (CFC), Mareeba Parent and Community Engagement (PaCE) Program, and the Mareeba Young and Awesome Project (MY&A).
The MY&A Project tackles the problem of binge drinking in the community. Its aim is to motivate young people (aged 12 to 25) to get involved in constructive activities that they might enjoy—and to get them away from drinking alcohol. This two-year project is funded by the Australian Government.
‘We help our clients to make informed decisions,’ says Gail Wason. ‘We work in health but we also work across education and job opportunities. Our model supports individuals who want to do the best for themselves, their family and their community.’
It’s all about changing and improving lives.
To learn more about Mulungu Aboriginal Corporation Medical Service visit http://mulungu.org.au.
New research has revealed the hidden toll that fast food kids’ meals can have on young children’s health. Some meals aimed at kids contain more than an entire day’s maximum recommended salt intake.
Most disturbing, the salt content of fast foods like chicken nuggets in Australia can be more than twice as salty as similar meals in the UK.
A new report from The George Institute for Global Health, VicHealth and the Heart Foundation analysed the salt content in kids’ meals from four major fast food outlets (Hungry Jack’s, KFC, McDonald’s and Subway) as part of a global push to reduce the salt content in children’s food during World Salt Awareness Week.
The report found high levels and a huge variation in the salt content of children’s meals across the four chains. A kids’ chicken nuggets meal from Hungry Jack’s contained more than an entire day’s worth of salt for a 4-8 year old child, a McDonald’s Cheeseburger Happy Meal with fries contained almost two thirds of a day’s worth of salt, and a KFC Kids Meal Snack Popcorn contained almost half a days’ worth of salt.
Subway Kids’ Paks were the least salty meal options, providing mini subs and purees rather than burgers with chips. All of their meals were found to be in the top five lowest salt kids’ meal options and contained one gram of salt or less per meal.
Meals with fries were among the saltiest options. McDonalds was the only chain that provided apple slices, yoghurt and cherry tomatoes as an option, instead of fries.
Heart Foundation dietitian Sian Armstrong said while none of the popular meals are healthy options, it was concerning to see some kids’ meals containing more than an entire day’s worth of salt.
“An alarming 80 per cent of Aussie kids are eating too much salt with most of it coming from processed food and fast food takeaways,” Ms Armstrong said.
“Consuming excess salt can lead to high blood pressure, a major risk for heart attack, stroke and kidney disease. Studies suggest that children with elevated blood pressure may go onto suffer it as adults.
“Most parents know that fast food isn’t a healthy option for their kids, however they may not realise that a single kids’ meal could blow out an entire day’s salt intake.
“This research shows fast food doesn’t have to be this salty. There is no reason why chicken nuggets at KFC and Hungry Jack’s should be almost twice as salty as the chicken nuggets from McDonald’s. The same goes for fries. Fast food outlets can and must reduce the salt content of their meals.”
The average salt content of children’s meals across the four outlets was 1.57g of salt or 45% of a child’s recommended daily salt intake.
The highest salt children’s meal was the Hungry Jack’s 6 Chicken Nugget Kids’ pack (includes a dipping sauce and small chips), which contained 3.78g salt or 108% of a 4-8-year-old child’s recommended daily salt intake.
The lowest salt children’s meal was the Subway Kids’ Pak Veggie Delite Mini Sub, (includes a mini-sub and SPC puree snack), which contained 0.44g salt or 13% of a 4-8-year-old child’s daily recommended salt intake.
McDonald’s is the only fast-food outlet offering fresh fruit (apple slices) and vegetables (grape tomatoes) with the Kids Meal packs.
Within the retailers, there was a range in salt levels for children’s meals. For example, a McDonald’s Happy Meal containing 3 chicken nuggets, apple slices and water contains 16% of a 4-8-year-old child’s salt intake, whereas the saltier option of a cheeseburger, fries and water contains 66% of a 4-8-year-old child’s salt intake.
There are huge variations in the same product at the different outlets; a 6 pack of chicken nuggets from KFC and Hungry Jack’s contained twice as much salt as 6 pack of chicken nuggets from McDonald’s
The UK set salt targets for takeaway kids’ meals of less than 1.8 grams of salt per meal. Thirty per cent of the meals analysed in this report exceeded this target. All Subway products met this target.
The George Institute’s Public Health Nutritionist and the report’s lead author Clare Farrand said it was clear there needed to be more regulation on fast food outlets to make their products healthier.
“It is unacceptable that some children’s meals in Australia are significantly saltier than similar meals purchased in the UK,” Ms Farrand said.
“Hungry Jack’s 6 pack nugget meal was 1.5 times saltier in Australia than in the UK and McDonald’s 6 pack nugget meal was a whopping 1.7 times saltier.”
“The fact that some companies produce the same foods with a lot less salt in the UK demonstrates that they can, and should for all countries.”
“We know that some companies are doing better than others – all of the Subway kids’ meals meet the UK targets – but clearly more needs to be done to reduce the salt content across the board.”
VicHealth dietitian Jenny Reimers said when it comes to kids’ meals it was time for fast food outlets to make the default choice the healthier option.
“Kids aren’t born craving salty food – we develop this taste preference based on exposure so it’s really important parents limit the amount of salty food their kids eat,” Ms Reimers said.
“Fast food really should be occasional treats, yet the average family has takeaway almost once a week. If you’re going to have takeaway foods, try less salty options with fresh fruit and vegetables included.
“While it’s encouraging that some fast food outlets are including fresh fruit and vegies as options in their kids’ meals this should be the default and it should be offered at all restaurants.”
Limit fast food – these discretionary foods should only be eaten in small amounts as a treat every now and again
If you are eating fast food, try to choose options with fruit and vegetables as these are likely to be lower in salt
Parents looking to lower their family’s salt intake can sign up to the Unpack Your Lunch 10-Day Salt Challengewhere they will receive tips to reduce salt, blogs and low salt recipes.
About the Victorian Salt Reduction Partnership
The Victorian Salt Reduction Partnership was established in 2014 in response to alarming high levels of salt consumption by the Victorian public.
The partnership comprises of peak public health organisations: VicHealth, Heart Foundation, The George Institute for Global Health, Deakin University Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), National Stroke Foundation, Kidney Health Australia, The Victorian Department for Health and Human Services, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Food Innovation Australia Ltd, CSIRO and the High Blood Pressure Research Council.
Australia is committed to meeting the World Health Organization’s target of 30 percent reduction in average population salt intake by 2025. To achieve this, the partnership has developed a comprehensive set of actions aimed at gaining consensus and commitment for salt reduction action from governments, public and industry in Victoria.
The Australian Medical Students’ Association (AMSA) and the Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association (AIDA) have renewed their agreement to work together to improve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing and provide support for Indigenous Australian medical students.
AIDA President, Dr Kristopher Rallah-Baker, and AMSA President, Jessica Yang, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) during AIDA’s Student Representative Committee (SRC) Meeting at Old Parliament House in Canberra on 1 March.
Ms Yang said that the MOU is a joint commitment to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
“AMSA and AIDA are committed to ongoing collaboration on crucial policy issues, including the recruitment and retention of Indigenous medical students,” Ms Yang said.
“AMSA is also committed to increasing the accessibility to our events for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander medical students,” Ms Yang said.
Representatives from all of Australia’s 22 medical schools last year voted in favour of AMSA’s 2019 National Priorities forming the basis for AMSA’s advocacy. Australian medical students have consistently identified the health of Australia’s Indigenous people as a critical priority.
Ms Yang said that AMSA has also launched its Indigenous Health Project, a joint initiative between AMSA and AIDA to improve AMSA’s engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and strengthen relationships between AIDA and Australian medical societies.
“AMSA’s Indigenous Health Project is an important initiative, led by AIDA, to improve AMSA’s support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students,” Ms Yang said.
“We acknowledge the outstanding contributions from AIDA members, Ben Jones, Megan Kent, and Russell Thompson, and 2018 AMSA President, Alex Farrell, in bringing this project to life.”
AIDA is the peak representative body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander medical students and doctors in Australia. AIDA is a not-for-profit association working towards equitable health and life outcomes, and the cultural wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
AMSA is the peak representative body of Australia’s 17,000 medical students.
Both organisations aim to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander medical students, with a focus on increasing the recruitment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, and providing support to current students.
MSA are seeking passionate and skilled medical students who are looking for an opportunity to contribute to how AMSA engages with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and supports Indigenous Australian medical students.
The Australian Medical Students’ Association (AMSA) and the Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association (AIDA) are excited to announce that applications are now open for the inaugural AMSA Indigenous Health Project team! We are seeking passionate and skilled medical students who are looking for an opportunity to contribute to how AMSA engages with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and supports Indigenous Australian medical students.
These positions are open to all medical students, regardless of the stage you are at in your degree. Most importantly, there is no prior experience in either AMSA or AIDA required for the role!
For this project team we are seeking:
3-4 team members (applicants may be Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander or non-Indigenous)
One Indigenous team member will be invited to be the Lead Project Coordinator. This person will also need to be a member of AIDA. The following are additional application requirements:
A maximum 1-page expression of interest outlining why you are passionate about joining this team
Curriculum Vitae (maximum 2 pages)
A brief informal teleconference interview with a small interview panel comprising of both the AMSA President and AIDA Student Director.
Chief Executive Officer : Bourke Aboriginal Health Service
About the business
The Bourke Aboriginal Community Health Service is an Aboriginal Community Controlled organisation established in November 1986 and incorporated on 19th day of October 1987 as a public company limited by guarantee.
The service is Aboriginal community controlled overseen by a body of Nine Directors who meet on a monthly basis.
Bourke Aboriginal Health Service has been in operation since 1986 delivering a highly professional Health Service to the Aboriginal community of Bourke and district, with a focus on Primary Health Care, Chronic Disease and specialist services.
About the role
This role will be responsible and accountable to the Bourke Aboriginal Health Service (BAHS) Board for the leadership, and efficient and effective management of the organisation in accordance with strategic directives, policies and procedures, as well as legislative and funding requirements.
Skills and experience
Pursuant to Section 14 of the Anti Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW) the person must be of Aboriginal descent. Confirmation of Aboriginality from a recognised organisation must be provided in the application
Relevant tertiary qualifications in management, health management, business or similar discipline with a minimum of five years senior management experience
Proven ability to provide advice, making sound recommendations and implementing Board directions on complex issues, developing and implementing strategic, project and business plans
Proven high level of experience in a senior management role demonstrating excellent strategic thinking, planning and decision making skills
High level experience in managing the financial affairs of an organisation, including budgeting, financial management and reporting, and ensuring compliance with legal and funding obligations
Proven ability to take a lead role in communicating in high level meetings, committees and forums within Aboriginal communities, government departments and other agencies
Exemplary personal and professional ethics and conduct
Ability to promote a work environment that empowers, motivates and develops the diverse talents of all employees as well as implementing strategies that maximize staff performance
Current Class C Drivers Licence
How to apply
Applications must be received by BAHS by the closing of business 05 April 2019. Late applications will not be considered.
Contact person for enquiries re the position: Robert Knight, Chair Person (Board)
Applications to be sent to:
Post to (mark envelope Private and Confidential):-
Mr. Robert Knight Chair Person Bourke Aboriginal Health Service
P O Box 362
BOURKE NSW 2840
Personal Delivery (mark envelope Private and Confidential):-
Ms. Melanie Driscoll Human Resource Officer Bourke Aboriginal Health Service
Enquiries re position: Zacmo@bahs.com.au – Corporate Services Manager
Health Services Section Manager : Anyinginyi Health Aboriginal Corporation (AHAC)
Anyinginyi Health Aboriginal Corporation (AHAC) is a multi-disciplinary organisation which provides primary health care services to the Aboriginal people of Tennant Creek and the surrounding Barkly region.
Anyinginyi consists of five different sections (Health Centre, Corporate Services, Public Health Unit, Sports and Recreation, and Piliyintinji-Ki Stronger Families) which allows them to have an holistic approach to health ensuring that clients’ physical and emotional health and wellbeing is given the utmost priority.
About the Opportunity
Anyinginyi Health Aboriginal Corporationhas an exciting opportunity for a full time Health Services Section Manager to join their team based in Tennant Creek, on a 2 year contract basis.
As a member of the Anyinginyi Executive Leadership Team and reporting to the General Manager, this position will see you managing the staff and resources of the Anyinginyi Health Services (Health Centre, RRHS and allied health), to ensure a high standard of care is provided in a culturally responsive manner. You will work closely with fellow Section Managers in multi-servicing needs for Anyinginyi clients.
More specifically, some of your duties will include but not be limited to:
Ensuring strategic links are established and maintained with funding bodies and other service providers working in the areas associated with Primary Health Care, especially the internal liaison and service coordination between Anyinginyi Sections;
Preparing and managing budgets and monitoring Funding Agreement compliance, including reporting requirements;
Communicating Board and senior management decisions to staff and provide Board and senior management with regular status reports on the program, as directed by the General Manager;
Effectively manage the staff and resources of Health Services Section including attraction and retention of employees.
To be considered for this position, you will have considerable, Executive-Level experience delivering primary health care services, within the not-for-profit sector and/or within Aboriginal community-controlled organisations.
To view the full position description, please click ‘apply now’.
About the Benefits
This is a highly varied and interesting role where you will truly make a difference in the lives of Aboriginal people and experience real job satisfaction every day – don’t miss out!
In return for your hard work and dedication, you will be rewarded with attractive remuneration circa $129,684-$145,827 + super, negotiable with skills and experience. In addition, you will have access to a range of great benefits including:
Salary packaging up to $15,899.94;
Subsidised furnished accommodation is available for candidates coming from outside of the Barkly region;
6 weeks annual leave giving you plenty of time to explore the beautiful Barkly region;
Vehicle provided for full work and private use (up to 2500km per year);
One paid ADO monthly;
Free general medical;
Free general dentistry (excluding laboratory work);
Free gym membership; and
Free personal medical prescriptions (conditions apply).
You will be joining a friendly and professional team, where you will also receive personal and professional development opportunities.
This opportunity won’t last long – if you think you have what it takes – apply now!
Please note: When responding to the application questions, please refer to the selection criteria on page 2 of the attached position description.
The Puntukurnu Aboriginal Medical Service (PAMS) currently has an opportunity available for a Tackling Indigenous Smoking (TIS) Project Officer to join the team.
With an administrative hub based in Newman, PAMS provides holistic primary health care to the individuals and families within the remote communities of Jigalong, Parnngurr, Punmu and Kunawarritji. As the Tackling Indigenous Smoking (TIS) Project Officer, you will manage the coordination, planning, development, implementation and evaluation of the TIS Programme in collaboration with Wirraka Maya Health Service Aboriginal Corporation (WMHSAC).
Key responsibilities will include (but not be limited to) the following:
• Ensuring that constant review of the programme is undertaken to ensure that milestones and KPI’s are met.
• Developing action plans and continual quality improvement (CQI) plans to ensure that strategies are implemented to meet the funding requirements.
• Identifying and developing networks at a local, regional, state and national level with respect to Tackling Indigenous Smoking.
• Implementing a range of strategies and interventions that support the prevention of smoking, reduction of nicotine use or quitting smoking.
• In conjunction with other stakeholders and service providers develop mechanisms to provide health promotion information to different age groups and tailor messages accordingly. ie young mothers, young children, young adults etc.
CATSINaM Nursing and Midwife jobs in all States and Territories
The Congress of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nurses and Midwives (CATSINaM) is the sole representative body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nurses and midwives in Australia.
CATSINaM’s primary function is to implement strategies to increase the recruitment and retention of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples into nursing and midwifery professions.
The role of the Health Promotions Officer is to promote wellbeing within the community and to promote awareness of issues and behaviours that impact upon the health outcomes of the Aboriginal and Torres Islander community on the NSW Central Coast. This will be achieved by working closely with staff to plan and implement community activities and awareness raising activities.
To be successful for this role you will
Qualifications and / or related experience in Health Promotion or Public Health
Demonstrated experience in delivering health promotion, with a clear understanding of the health promotion duties and responsibilities of the role
Patient-centred approach to evidence-based care delivery
Demonstrated ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary environment
Police check clearance
You’ll also have access to salary sacrificing options up to $15,950 to increase the value of your take home pay.
All applicants MUST obtain an application pack and complete all information contained in the pack, prior to lodging your application for the position. DO NOT APPLY VIA SEEK
This is an identified Position under Section 9A of the NSW Anti-Discrimination Act 1977.
For a confidential discussion about the position please contact Belinda Field, CEO Ph: 02 43511040.
This fulltime position will support the ongoing project work of AIDA’s policy team. We are looking for an experienced policy or project officer with good research, analytic and writing skills to join our small and supportive team.
About Us
The purpose of the Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association (AIDA) is to contribute to equitable health and life outcomes, and the cultural wellbeing of Indigenous Peoples, by reaching population parity of Indigenous medical students and doctors, and supporting a culturally safe healthcare system.
About the role
This fulltime position will support the ongoing project work of AIDA’s policy team. We are looking for an experienced policy or project officer with good research, analytic and writing skills to join our small and supportive team. Experience working in a secretariat capacity for committees or working groups will be highly regarded. If you think you have what it takes to contribute to our important work please apply for this role.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Benefits and hours
We are pleased to offer excellent benefits to employees, such as salary packaging as well as a flexible, family-friendly workplace.
This position is available for six months and will not be on going. Some travel and work outside regular business hours may be necessary to undertake the duties of this role.
Selection Criteria
Written selection criteria not required, but applicants must meet each essential criteria.
Essential Criteria
Highly developed oral and written communication skills including the demonstrated ability to communicate effectively across a range of settings and stakeholders.
Sound analytical and research skills and the demonstrated ability to apply these effectively to policy and project development and implementation.
Sound project coordination skills and the ability to implement project-related feedback in a timely manner.
Sound understanding of current issues impacting on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Sound understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and a demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Demonstrated high-level problem solving, organisational and time management skills.
Proven experience delivering project outputs.
Demonstrated ability to work individually and as a member of a team.
Commitment to work flexibly and travel interstate in order to achieve AIDA’s objectives.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Enquiries and applications
To be considered for this position your application must include your resume and a cover letter (max. one page) briefly outlining the qualifications, skills and experience that will enable you to be successful in the position.
This exciting and rewarding opportunity is available immediately. Don’t delay in sending your resume and cover letter to jobs@aida.org.au or call Mary Guthrie, Deputy CEO, on 02 6273 5013 with any enquiries.
* Leadership opportunity for a Social Worker or Psychologist – join this established Community Controlled Health Organisation!
* Truly rewarding position focusing on community development & empowerment!
* Highly attractive base salary circa $102,921 – $115,267 + super, salary sacrificing options, generous leave & more!
About the Organisation
Sunrise Health Service Aboriginal Corporation is a Community Controlled Health Organisation.
The Sunrise approach involves community people taking part in controlling their own health. Everything from financial management and governance, staff selection and service delivery priorities are directed by the organisation’s Aboriginal Board and Community Health Committees.
Sunrise Health Service Aboriginal Corporation works in partnership with Northern Territory PHN (NT PHN), who provide support services to health professionals and organisation across the Northern Territory. NT PHN offers support and assistance to eligible nurses and allied health professionals who are relocating to the NT for the purposes of employment.
About the Opportunity
Sunrise Health Service Aboriginal Corporation has a rewarding opportunity for an Intensive Family Support Service Manager to join their dedicated team. This position is based in Katherine, however a large amount of time will be spent within the Ngukurr community, where accommodation will be provided for any overnight stays.
The primary purpose of this role is to provide Intensive Family Support Service (IFSS) assessment service interventions and counselling-related services. This includes home-based and community-based intensive services targeted to reduce child neglect, with a focus on improving parental skills and how to provide better care for children.
You will step into this position with the aim to build on and improve the existing program, rather than creating a new program from scratch. Your ultimate goal will be to develop key strategies in order to evolve the program to a point where the delivery of the service provision is transferred wholly to a local and sustainable community level service delivery model.
Some of your key responsibilities will include (but will not be limited to):
* Managing the IFSS Program including budgets, reporting and data analysis;
* Accepting referrals and undertaking assessments, developing plans and delivering services/activities for clients who have been referred to the program;
* Ensuring effective health promotion delivery and improved program outcomes;
* Providing advice to support, manage, direct and up-skill IFSS staff;
* Liaising regularly with senior elders for strategic or program issues; and
* Acting as an effective conduit between the Federal Department of Social Services (DSS), NT DCF, the Primary Health Care Manager, the Ngukurr Community and its service provider agencies. To view a full position description, please go to https://applynow.net.au/jobs/108693
About You
To be considered for this role, you must have a background and qualification in Social Work, Mental Health Social Work or Psychology, while a background in Child Protection or working with disadvantaged groups will be highly regarded.
Previous experience working with children and their families is essential, as is experience working within Aboriginal communities.
Sunrise is seeking an individual who can display the initiative, discretion and cultural sensitivity needed to support and drive this important program. You will be comfortable living in a remote environment and working under Aboriginal management and control. The ability to build capacity of both staff and the community will be critical to your success in this role.
In addition, as you’ll be providing in depth support and clinical guidance to your reports in adverse and high pressure situations, strong leadership skills and demonstrated clinical experience at a supervisory level is required.
About the Benefits
This is an incredible opportunity to work closely with, and build the capacity of, a remote Aboriginal community in order to improve their health and wellbeing.
Your dedication will be rewarded with a highly attractive base salary circa $102,921 – $115,267 (based on skills and experience) plus super.
You will also have access to a wide range of benefits including:
* 6 weeks leave per year;
* Up to 10 days study leave;
* Access to company vehicle for work-related travel;
* Laptop and Phone;
* Accommodation for any overnight stays while working in the communities;
* Salary packaging options up to $15,899 per year.
Working at Sunrise Health Service and living in the Katherine region has lifestyle benefits that are unique to the Northern Territory. With the Katherine Gorge on your doorstep and an incredible outdoor lifestyle on offer, combined with some of the best fishing in the world, the Northern Territory is the place to be to make the most of life’s adventures.
Don’t miss out on these unique opportunities in which you can truly make a difference – Apply Now! For more information, and to apply, please go to https://applynow.net.au/jobs/108693
Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health : Child and Adolescent Psychologist
Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health & Community Services is a community controlled health service providing holistic health care to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities of the ACT and surrounding areas. The Service manages approximately 30 programs through various funding agreements and employs more than 70 staff offering salary sacrifice pursuant to tax department regulations and organisational policy.
Child and Adolescent Psychologist
The role of the Child and Adolescent Psychologist is to enhance the clinical services offered at Winnunga AHCS through working in collaboration with the multidisciplinary team in the delivery of psychology services to young clients and their families. This includes work on an individual basis to provide high level clinical consultations and therapeutic support to children, adolescents and their families to address mental health and wellbeing needs.
We are seeking an experienced Child and Adolescent Psychologist to work within our Clinical and Social Health Teams. The successful applicant will have registration as a psychologist with AHPRA, eligible for a Medicare provider number have sound clinical assessment and treatment skills and competency in evidence-based psychological treatments. Experience in trauma informed practice and experience working with and understanding and commitment to the philosophy and practice of an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service and the ability to work sensitively and effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Previous experience working in mental health and a demonstrated ability to work in a multidisciplinary team is desirable.
A current driver’s licence is essential.
A copy of the position descriptions and selection criterias may be obtained by calling Roseanne Longford on 02 62846259 or email to Roseanne.Longford@winnunga.org.au Applications should be addressed and mailed to Julie Tongs, CEO, Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Service 63 Boolimba Cres Narrabundah ACT 2604 or by email to Roseanne.Longford@winnunga.org.au
APPLICATIONS CLOSE 29th March 2019
WORKING WITH VULNERALBLE PEOPLE CHECK (WWVPC)
All people employed at Winnunga are required to provide their WWVPC registration, or to carry out a WWVPC pursuant to the Working With Vulnerable People (Background Checking) Act 2011 (ACT).
Galambila are recruiting for Aboriginal Health Workers – Do you know anyone who has a passion for working with out communities and focusing on health promotion activities?
This is an exciting opportunity to join our Ready Mob team.
We are recruiting across the region so vacancies at Port Macquarie (co located with our partner Werin Aboriginal Corporation Medical Clinic) Kempsey and here at Coffs Harbour.
1.2 National Aboriginal Health Scholarships News
The Territory Labor Government is boosting health services with applications now open for Aboriginal Health Practitioner Scholarships.
Aboriginal Health Practitioners play a crucial role as cultural brokers and agents of change ensuring comprehensive primary health care is provided and culturally appropriate health care is delivered through prevention, early detection and early intervention.
The scheme aims to build the capacity and capability of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Health Practitioner profession and workforce.
There are four scholarships available, providing students with $5000 per year over two years of study for the Certificate IV Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care (Practice).
The Scholarship provides financial support to students studying the Cert IV Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care (Practice).
As part of our commitment to providing the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community of Brisbane with a comprehensive range of primary health care, youth, child safety, mental health, dental and aged care services, we employ approximately 150 people across our locations at Woolloongabba, Woodridge, Northgate, Acacia Ridge, Browns Plains, Eagleby and East Brisbane.
The roles at ATSICHS are diverse and include, but are not limited to the following:
Wuchopperen Health Service Limited has been providing primary health care services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people for over 35 years. Our workforce has a range of professional, clinical, allied health, social emotional wellbeing and administration positions.
We have two sites in Cairns and a growing number of supplementary services and partnerships.
We have a diverse workforce of over 200 employees
70 percent of our team identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people
Our team is dedicated to the Wuchopperen vision: Improving the Quality of Life for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. If you would like to make a difference, and improve the health outcomes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, please apply today.
Nunkuwarrin Yunti places a strong focus on a client centred approach to the delivery of services and a collaborative working culture to achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients. View our current vacancies here.
Derbarl Yerrigan Health Services Inc. is passionate about creating a strong and dedicated Aboriginal and Torres Straits Islander workforce. We are committed to providing mentorship and training to our team members to enhance their skills for them to be able to create career pathways and opportunities in life.
On occasions we may have vacancies for the positions listed below:
Medical Receptionists – casual pool
Transport Drivers – casual pool
General Hands – casual pool, rotating shifts
Aboriginal Health Workers (Cert IV in Primary Health) –casual pool
*These positions are based in one or all of our sites – East Perth, Midland, Maddington, Mirrabooka or Bayswater.
To apply for a position with us, you will need to provide the following documents:
Detailed CV
WA National Police Clearance – no older than 6 months
WA Driver’s License – full license
Contact details of 2 work related referees
Copies of all relevant certificates and qualifications
We may also accept Expression of Interests for other medical related positions which form part of our services. However please note, due to the volume on interests we may not be able to respond to all applications and apologise for that in advance.
All complete applications must be submitted to our HR department or emailed to HR
Also in accordance with updated privacy legislation acts, please download, complete and return this Permission to Retain Resume form
Attn: Human Resources
Derbarl Yerrigan Health Services Inc.
156 Wittenoom Street
East Perth WA 6004
Thank you for your interest in working at the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS)
If you would like to lodge an expression of interest or to apply for any of our jobs advertised at VAHS we have two types of applications for you to consider.
Expression of interest
Submit an expression of interest for a position that may become available to: employment@vahs.org.au
This should include a covering letter outlining your job interest(s), an up to date resume and two current employment referees
Your details will remain on file for a period of 12 months. Resumes on file are referred to from time to time as positions arise with VAHS and you may be contacted if another job matches your skills, experience and/or qualifications. Expressions of interest are destroyed in a confidential manner after 12 months.
Applying for a Current Vacancy
Unless the advertisement specifies otherwise, please follow the directions below when applying
Your application/cover letter should include:
Current name, address and contact details
A brief discussion on why you feel you would be the appropriate candidate for the position
Response to the key selection criteria should be included – discussing how you meet these
Your Resume should include:
Current name, address and contact details
Summary of your career showing how you have progressed to where you are today. Most recent employment should be first. For each job that you have been employed in state the Job Title, the Employer, dates of employment, your duties and responsibilities and a brief summary of your achievements in the role
Education, include TAFE or University studies completed and the dates. Give details of any subjects studies that you believe give you skills relevant to the position applied for
References, where possible, please include 2 employment-related references and one personal character reference. Employment references must not be from colleagues, but from supervisors or managers that had direct responsibility of your position.
Ensure that any referees on your resume are aware of this and permission should be granted.
How to apply:
Send your application, response to the key selection criteria and your resume to:
All applications must be received by the due date unless the previous extension is granted.
When applying for vacant positions at VAHS, it is important to know the successful applicants are chosen on merit and suitability for the role.
VAHS is an Equal Opportunity Employer and are committed to ensuring that staff selection procedures are fair to all applicants regardless of their sex, race, marital status, sexual orientation, religious political affiliations, disability, or any other matter covered by the Equal Opportunity Act
You will be assessed based on a variety of criteria:
Your application, which includes your application letter which address the key selection criteria and your resume
Verification of education and qualifications
An interview (if you are shortlisted for an interview)
Discussions with your referees (if you are shortlisted for an interview)
You must have the right to live and work in Australia
Employment is conditional upon the receipt of:
A current Working with Children Check
A current National Police Check
Any licenses, certificates and insurances
6.2 Mallee District Aboriginal Services Mildura Swan Hill Etc
Greater Western Aboriginal Health Service (GWAHS) is an entity of Wellington Aboriginal Corporation Health Service. GWAHS provides a culturally appropriate comprehensive primary health care service for the local Aboriginal communities of western Sydney and the Nepean Blue Mountains. GWAHS provides multidisciplinary services from sites located in Mt Druitt and Penrith.
The clinical service model includes general practitioners (GPs), Aboriginal Health Workers and Practitioners, nursing staff, reception and transport staff. The service also offers a number of wraparound services and programs focused on child and maternal health, social and emotional wellbeing, Drug and Alcohol Support, chronic disease, as well as population health activities.
GWAHS is committed to ensuring that patients have access to and receive high quality, culturally appropriate care and services that meet the needs of local Aboriginal communities.
Research Assistant, Injury Team and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Program
Full time (1.0 FTE), fixed term for 2 years
Respected global research organisation
Make an impact on global health outcomes
‘The George’ is 600+ people globally focused on improving the health of millions of people. A medical research institute affiliated with leading universities and with projects in approximately 50 countries, we are challenging the status quo in healthcare to find the best ways to prevent and treat chronic disease and injury, and to influence policy and practice worldwide.
This role will provide research assistance to the Injury Division and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Program. The role will also be supported by and work with the Research Support and Administration team in collaboration with the Academic Project Operations team who provide overall administrative and research services support.
The Injury Team seeks to identify and test cost-effective programs to reduce the global burden of injury, influence policy and scale up proven programs for sustainable change. Our research cuts across the causes of unintentional injury that contribute most to the global burden – road injury, falls, burns and drowning. Our global research extends from Australia across Asia and Africa, with major collaborations ongoing in India, China, Vietnam and Bangladesh.
Improving the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations is a major priority for the George Institute. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Program is a cross cutting program. We work in partnership with Aboriginal communities, research organisations and other key stakeholders in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health to conduct high quality research that delivers meaningful impact. The underlying principles of our program ensure genuine engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities with research broadly spanning across social determinants of health, healthcare delivery and key conditions and injuries. We ensure strong Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership of projects and focus on building the capacity of researchers to enable collaborative approaches to conducting high quality, ethically sound research.
The Role
The Research Assistant will provide research support across the Injury Team and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Program. A Research Assistant is required to support the research and communications activities as well as being responsible for the associated general administrative responsibilities. The candidate will have the opportunity for on the job research and administration skills development and there is potential for the right candidate to progress to a Masters or PhD related to this work.
Key responsibilities of the role will include:
Assisting with the preparation of presentations, reports, grant applications, ethics applications and publications
Maintaining, updating and tracking CVs, publications and other academic contributions on program and portfolio management system and work with external research management systems
Liaising with and building effective working relationships with staff and external stakeholders including with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and organisations
Contributing to and assisting with communications and translation of research including relevant media, submissions and website management
Working closely with other administrators across organisation providing weekly reception relief, as required
Assisting with the wider research and administration teamwork across the organisation to ensure smooth and effective workflow processes, task delegation, and ongoing achievement of identified tasks.
Preparing, providing support and attending various meetings, as required
Undertaking designated administrative duties, including travel arrangements, financial payments, budget monitoring and expense reimbursements
Managing incoming enquiries, emails and requests for information and responding when appropriate
Our ideal candidate will possess:
Essential
Relevant qualifications and/or experience in a similar business administration and/or research role
Strong analytical skills and ability to synthesise complex information
Demonstrated understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture
Awareness of issues affecting the health and well-being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and ability to work in a culturally safe manner
Proficient in the use of the Microsoft Office suite, including Word, Excel, Outlook and SharePoint
Demonstrated ability to work with business sensitive information and maintain confidentiality
Demonstrated ability to work effectively in different interpersonal environments i.e. autonomously, in small teams and with a wide range of varying stakeholders
Ability to be flexible and adaptable in the face of changing organisational priorities
Ability to evaluate and recommend changes to existing processes and procedures for greater effect
Strong general administration skills and experience, including taking minutes, organising meetings, organising travel etc.
Ability to work with databases with a high level of attention to detail
Methodical with good attention to detail and strong focus on quality of work
Strong writing and communication skills
Ability to produce social media and web content
Excellent time management and organisation skills
Demonstrated interpersonal skills with the proven ability to work across several teams and managing own workload
Desirable
Experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities
Previous research experience in injury prevention or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health
Experience working in the fast-paced Australian medical or scientific research environment.
Relevant health related degree
Application close date: 05 April 2019
We are reviewing applications as soon as we receive them, so apply now!
This is a great opportunity for you to work on an exciting new project and make an impact on global health outcomes.
We offer a flexible and inclusive work culture with excellent staff benefits including, salary packaging arrangements and sound learning opportunities.
The George Institute is an equal employment opportunity employer committed to equity, diversity and social inclusion. Applications are encouraged from people with a disability; women; Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people; people who identify as LGBTIQ; mature-aged adults and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Why work at the George?
We are committed to attracting, developing, rewarding and retaining the best people in their fields to conduct and support our innovative and highest quality research programs
“ Unfortunately however too many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women face far higher levels of violence than the general community and that is why we need to put in place genuine Indigenous designed and Indigenous led solutions. “The $35 million in Indigenous specific measures announced today will help tackle the drivers of family and domestic violence and address the specific needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people affected by violence.”
Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Nigel Scullion, said the investments announced as part of the Fourth Action Plan will respond to the needs, backgrounds and experiences of Indigenous women and children affected by domestic, family and sexual violence.: see Part 1 Below
“Our Government’s first priority is to keep Australians safe. To hear the accounts of survivors, and see the statistics, it’s just not good enough .That’s why we are investing $328 million for the Fourth Action Plan to fund prevention, response and recovery initiatives.
This is the largest ever Commonwealth contribution to the National Plan. To stop violence against women, we need to counter the culture of disrespect towards women. A culture of disrespect towards women is a precursor to violence, and anyone who doesn’t see that is kidding themselves. That’s why we are investing so heavily in prevention with $68.3 million to stop violence before it begins.
This is about changing attitudes to violence, and helping those who think violence is an option, to stop.
We will also develop Australia’s first national prevention strategy to stop domestic and family violence and sexual assault, and continue our work to change the attitudes and beliefs that can lead to violence.”
The Prime Minister said his Government would deliver the largest ever Commonwealth investment of $328 million for prevention and frontline services through the Fourth Action Plan of the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children 2010-2022. See in Full Part 2
‘ This measure also supports an update of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners’ Abuse and violence: Working with our patients in general practice After family and friends, it is GPs and other primary care providers who survivors of family and domestic violence turn to for support.
The quality of the response from the GP has been found to have a deep and profound impact on victims, influencing whether they seek help and support in the future.’
Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt said the Government is committing $9.6 million to boost family violence care. Of that funding, Minister Hunt said $2.1 million over three years will be invested to train 5000 primary care workers across Australia, including GPs, ‘to better respond and support family violence victims’ See Part 3 Below
Part 1 : Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and their children will receive support through the Federal Government’s $35 million investment as part of the Fourth Action Plan (4AP) of the National Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women and their Children 2010-2022.
The $35 million package includes:
Ongoing additional investment to continue and expand Indigenous specific projects funded under the Third Action Plan to keep women and their children safe from violence including funding to increase Family Violence Prevention Legal Services’ capacity to deliver holistic crisis support to Indigenous women and children
New funding to support Indigenous women and children through intensive family case management in remote areas and areas of high need so they are able to access services that work with the whole family to address the impacts of violence
Practical intervention programs to work with Indigenous young people and adults at risk of experiencing or using violence to address past trauma and equip them with the practical tools and skills to develop positive and violence-free relationships
$1.7 million to support the second stage of the Wiyi YaniU Thangani (Women’s Voices) national conversation with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, June Oscar AO.
“These measures, funded out of the Indigenous Advancement Strategy, have been developed in partnership with Indigenous leaders, service providers and experts who have told us that investment is needed to provide wrap around support to women and their families impacted by domestic violence and to address the trauma and violence that is often a cause of future violence.
“These measures will also be rolled out in consultation with Indigenous Australians with the establishment of an expert consultative committee involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders, experts and service providers such as representatives of the Family Violence Prevention Legal Services to ensure these measures are delivered in a culturally appropriate way, in the areas of highest need and with Indigenous organisations and service providers that can best meet the needs of women and their families. Appropriate monitoring and evaluation strategies will also be built into this work.
“On top of this investment, the Coalition Government will provide $2.5 million for the Office of the eSafety Commissioner to work with and assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in communities across Australia to identify, report and protect themselves and their children from technology-facilitated abuse.
“Funding will also be provided to 1800RESPECT to improve accessibility for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to ensure they have access to high quality and culturally appropriate counselling and support.
“Together these initiatives provide a comprehensive suite of measures to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, victims and survivors of family and domestic violence and builds on existing initiatives such as the Coalition’s record $121 million investment to 2020 for 14 Family Violence Prevention Legal Services,” Minister Scullion said.
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au.
Part 2 RECORD FUNDING TO REDUCE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Combating violence against women and children remains one of the Federal Government’s top priorities, as part of its plan to keep Australians safe.
The Prime Minister said his Government would deliver the largest ever Commonwealth investment of $328 million for prevention and frontline services through the Fourth Action Plan of the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children 2010-2022.
“Our Government’s first priority is to keep Australians safe. To hear the accounts of survivors, and see the statistics, it’s just not good enough,” the Prime Minister said.
“That’s why we are investing $328 million for the Fourth Action Plan to fund prevention, response and recovery initiatives.
“This is the largest ever Commonwealth contribution to the National Plan.
“To stop violence against women, we need to counter the culture of disrespect towards women.
“A culture of disrespect towards women is a precursor to violence, and anyone who doesn’t see that is kidding themselves.
“That’s why we are investing so heavily in prevention with $68.3 million to stop violence before it begins.
“This is about changing attitudes to violence, and helping those who think violence is an option, to stop. “We will also develop Australia’s first national prevention strategy to stop domestic and family violence and sexual assault, and continue our work to change the attitudes and beliefs that can lead to violence.”
The National Plan connects the important work being done by all Australian governments, community organisations and individuals so that Australian women and children can live in safe communities.
The National Plan and the Government’s investments are the product of extensive consultations with frontline workers and survivors ahead of the release of the Fourth Action Plan 2019-22 in mid-2019.
Minister for Families and Social Services Paul Fletcher said the Commonwealth would invest $35 million in support and prevention measures for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and $78 million to provide safe places for people impacted by domestic and family violence.
“We will act against the different forms abuse can take, including preventing financial abuse and technology-facilitated abuse, and we have included specific measures targeted to address the risks faced by women with intellectual disability and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women,” Minister Fletcher said.
The Commonwealth commitment will also fund targeted prevention initiatives to reach culturally and linguistically diverse communities and people with disability.
“Domestic violence is a risk that all women face – but we recognise that specific groups may have particular vulnerability, which is why there are specific targeted measures included in this package.”
“Today’s announcement brings Commonwealth investment in this space since 2013 to over $840 million,” said Mr Fletcher.
The Commonwealth’s commitment also provides $82 million for frontline services, including investments to improve and build on the systems responsible for keeping women and children safe, such as free training for health workers to identify and better support domestic violence victims, and the development of national standards for sexual assault responses.
The Coalition will investment $62 million in 1800RESPECT to support the service, which has rapidly grown in scope as more Australians find the courage to seek help and advice.
Minister for Women Kelly O’Dwyer said all women and children have the right to feel safe, and to feel supported to seek help when they need it.
“The statistics on this issue are shocking – one in six women have experienced physical or sexual violence by a current or former partner since the age of 15. This figure increases to nearly one in four women when violence by boyfriends, girlfriends and dates is included,” Minister O’Dwyer said.
“The safety of women and children is vitally important. Our Government has zero tolerance for violence against women and children.
“Whether it’s at home, in the workplace, in our communities or online, all women and children deserve to be safe.”
Summary of new measures:
$82 million for frontline services
$68 million for prevention strategies
$35 million in support and prevention measures for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities funded under the Indigenous Advancement Strategy.
$78 million to provide safe places for people impacted by domestic and family violence.
1800RESPECT will receive $64 million to support the service.
The Coalition has taken strong action already to protect women and children, including:
introducing a minimum standard for domestic violence leave for the very first time;
banning the direct cross-examination of women by their alleged perpetrator during family law proceedings;
extending early release of superannuation on compassionate grounds to victims of family and domestic violence;
expanding Good Shepherd Microfinance’s No Interest Loan Scheme to 45,000 women experiencing family and domestic violence;
providing over 7,046 visas for women and children needing safe refuge through the Women at Risk program;
extending funding for Specialist Domestic Violence Units and Health Justice Partnerships including funding for additional financial support services;
funding support for an additional 31,200 families to resolve family law disputes quickly through mediation;
continuing advertising of the award winning Stop it at the Start campaign;
further funding 1800RESPECT, the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service;
investing an additional $6.7 million in DV alert;
prioritising women and children who are escaping family violence in the $7.8 billion housing and homelessness agreement; and
establishing the eSafety Commissioner in 2017, expanding the scope of the Office of the Children’s eSafety Commissioner.
About the National Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women and their Children (2010-2022) (the National Plan)
The National Plan aims to connect the important work being done by all Australian governments, community organisations and individuals to reduce violence so that we can work together to ensure each year, less women experience violence and more women and their children live safely.
The Commonwealth Government is leading the development of the Fourth Action Plan 2019-2022 of the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children 2010-2022 (the National Plan) in partnership with state and territory governments.
The Fourth Action Plan is the final action plan of the National Plan and is due for implementation from mid-2019.
Family violence has been in the spotlight, with two large funding pledges from the Federal Government.
In one announcement, Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt said the Government is committing $9.6 million to boost family violence care.
Of that funding, Minister Hunt said $2.1 million over three years will be invested to train 5000 primary care workers across Australia, including GPs, ‘to better respond and support family violence victims’.
That training will be delivered by accredited providers and will reflect evidence-based trauma-informed models of care and culturally appropriate care.
‘After family and friends, it is GPs and other primary care providers who survivors of family and domestic violence turn to for support.
‘The quality of the response from the GP has been found to have a deep and profound impact on victims, influencing whether they seek help and support in the future.’
A further $7.5m will be provided over three years towards expanding the Recognise, Respond and Refer Program, an initiative of the Brisbane South Primary Health Network (PHN) to a further four PHN regions.
The trial states that it will:
deliver whole-of-practice training to GP staff to recognise the signs of family violence
develop locally relevant care and referral pathways for people who are, or are at risk of, experiencing family violence
provide post-training support to practices to assist them to put in place training to identify and support victims of family violence
develop models to integrate primary healthcare into the domestic and family violence sector in the local region, including clear roles for GPs.
“ The Overview is our flagship knowledge exchange resource as we summarise information from many publications into one document, ensuring those working in the sector receive a comprehensive update that is both accessible and timely’.
HealthInfoNet Director, Professor Neil Drew
” On the floor of Parliament , the Prime Minister spoke of a change happening in our country: that there is a shared understanding that we have a shared future- Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, together. But our present is not shared. Our present, and indeed our past is marred in difference, in disparity. This striking disparity in quality of life outcomes is what began the historic journey of the Closing the Gap initiatives a decade ago.
But after ten years of good intentions the outcomes have been disappointing. The gaps have not been closing and so-called targets have not been met. The quality of life among our communities is simply not equal to that of our non-indigenous Australian counterparts.
Yes change must come from within our communities, but change must also come from the whole of Australia. We must change together.
The time has come for our voices to be heard and for us to lead the way on Closing the Gap. We are ready for action. ”
Pat Turner AM is the CEO of the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation. Read HERE
The most recent indicators of the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are documented in the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet’s authoritative publication, the Overview of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health status
The annual Overview contains updated information across many health conditions.
It shows that despite some improvements, there are still significant health disparities between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other Australians, which supports the need for the broader refresh of the Closing the Gap targets.
The Overview also includes a strengths based approach and highlights areas where improvements have been achieved or positive outcomes realised. It provides a comprehensive summary of the most recent indicators of the health and current health status of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
As part of the HealthInfoNet’s commitment to knowledge exchange, there are other tools and resources to access this information including:
The Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet is based at Edith Cowan University in Western Australia. The HealthInfoNet is a massive web resource that informs practice and policy in Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander health by making up to date research and other knowledge readily accessible via any platform.
For over 21 years, working in the area of knowledge exchange with a population health focus, the HealthInfoNet makes research and other information freely available in a form that has immediate, practical utility for practitioners and policy-makers in the area of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, enabling them to make decisions based on the best available evidence.
9 March Bush to Beach Project Grazing Style Light Indigenous Marathon Fundraiser
12- 13 March Overcoming Indigenous Family Violence
14 March Workshop Brisbane Moving Beyond the Frontline project
14 – 15 March 2019 Close the Gap for Vision by 2020 – National Conference 2019
21 March National Close the Gap Day
21 March Indigenous Ear Health Workshop Brisbane
22 March : The experts priorities for the 2019 Federal Election
24 -27 March National Rural Health Alliance Conference
20 -24 May 2019 World Indigenous Housing Conference. Gold Coast
18 -20 June Lowitja Health Conference Darwin
2019 Dr Tracey Westerman’s Workshops
7 -14 July 2019 National NAIDOC Grant funding round opens
23 -25 September IAHA Conference Darwin
24 -26 September 2019 CATSINaM National Professional Development Conference
5-8 November The Lime Network Conference New Zealand
Featured Save date
March 9 International Women’s Day #IWD
International Women’s Day (IWD) will be celebrated on 8 March across all our 302 Aboriginal community controlled health clinics and 8 affiliates , where thousands of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander woman are involved daily in all aspects and levels of comprehensive Aboriginal primary health care delivery.
Professional and dedicated Indigenous Woman CEO’S , Doctors, Clinic Managers, Aboriginal Health Workers , Nurses, Receptionists etc.
We honour all the woman working in our #ACCHO’s over 45 years in #NT #NSW #QLD #WA #SA #VIC #ACT #TAS
IWD is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.
Australia’s IWD 2019 theme, More Powerful Together, recognises the important role we all play – as women, men, non-binary and gender diverse people. It takes all of us, working in collaboration and across that which sometimes divides us, breaking down stereotypes and gendered roles to create a world where women and girls everywhere have equal rights and opportunities.
More Powerful Together is a clarion call to stand in unison for gender equality.
AIATSIS : Have you ordered your International Women’s Day poster yet?
This year’s features a wonderful portrait of the much loved and respected Yolŋu leader, Laurie Baymarrwaŋa.
We have limited numbers of the poster available to order, while stocks last
We’re calling on all Australians to take the first step toward healthy hearing by joining us. Check your hearing online now: http://bigaussiehearingcheck.com
Part 2 Pictured above
Sound Scouts is proud to participate in Hearing Awareness Week from the 3rd to the 9th of March, 2019. Thanks to Australian Hearing and funding from the Australian Government, you can download the app for free and test your child today.
Sound Scouts is the children’s hearing check designed to make testing easy. Sound Scouts incorporates the science of a hearing test in a fun game. The children don’t even know they are being tested.
Developed in collaboration with the National Acoustic Laboratories, Sound Scouts provides an instant report and guidance on next steps if a problem is detected.
EASY SETUP
Fun app-based test delivering an immediate report.
PROVEN
Published in the International Journal of Audiology, and recommended by
Australian Hearing.
AWARD WINNING
Highly recognised and supported by NSW Health.
Hearing issues are a common cause of speech, learning and behavioural problems so it is important for all children to have their hearing tested. If a child struggles to hear, they’ll also struggle to learn. The World Health Organisation recommends children have their hearing tested when they start school*.
1 in 10 children are held back at school by hearing loss. Take action to ensure your child isn’t one of them.
Download the NACCHO 2019 Calendar Health Awareness Days
For many years ACCHO organisations have said they wished they had a list of the many Indigenous “ Days “ and Aboriginal health or awareness days/weeks/events.
With thanks to our friends at ZockMelon here they both are!
It even has a handy list of the hashtags for the event.
Download the 53 Page 2019 Health days and events calendar HERE
9 March Bush to Beach Project Grazing Style Light Indigenous Marathon Fundraiser
The Port Macquarie Running Festival is happening over the weekend of the 9th-10th March 2019. As a part of this event we are running a fundraiser to support the important work being undertaken by Charlie & Tali Maher as a part of the Indigenous Marathon Project Running And Walking group. Come along to hear from Olympians Nova Peris, Steve Moneghette & Robert de Castella while meeting members of the Indigenous Marathon Project over lunch. We hope to see you there.
All funds raised will go towards the Bush to Beach Project. The project aims
to develop a strong relationship between the Northern Territory community of
Ntaria and the coastal community of Port Macquarie, with an exchange program
occurring several times throughout the year. This will include young Indigenous
people visiting the communities and participating in running and walking events
to promote healthy living. We thank you for your support.
Guest Speakers: Olympians Nova Peris, Steve Moneghetti & Robert de Castella.
12- 13 March Overcoming Indigenous Family Violence
Djirra has been chosen to be the charity partner of the next Overcoming Indigenous Family Violence conference organised by Aventedge in Melbourne on the 12th and 13th of March.
On the first day, Tuesday 12th of March, Marion Hansen, Djirra’s chairperson, will give the opening and closing address. At 10.30am, Djirra’s CEO Antoinette Braybrook will share her experience and knowledge on Supporting Aboriginal women, their children and communities to be safe, culturally strong and free from violence.
Family violence against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, predominantly women and their children, is a national crisis.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and their organisations hold the solutions to ending the disproportionate rates of family violence. However this requires the support and involvement of a range of stakeholders around the country.
The 5th annual Overcoming Indigenous Family Violence Forum (Melbourne & Perth) has partnered with Djirra and brings together representatives from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Organisations, specialist family violence support and prevention services, community legal services, government, police and not-for-profit organisations.
During the course of this conference and 1-day workshop, we will explore critical issues in working to end family violence against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, including state and federal government initiatives; how frontline services are engaging in prevention, early intervention and response; learning from the stories and experiences of survivors of family violence; working more effectively with people who use violence towards accountability and behaviour change and the impacts of family violence on children and young people.
14 March Workshop Brisbane Moving Beyond the Frontline project
An interactive workshop for currently enrolled Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and medical students.
Panel conversations with
Associate Professor Chelsea Bond (UQ Poche)
Associate Professor Shannon Springer (Bond Uni)
Professor Mark Brough (QUT) &
Dr Bryan Mukandi (UQ Medicine)
The workshop shares key findings from the Moving Beyond the Frontline project to facilitate a broader conversation about how to foster culturally safe learning environments for Indigenous health and medical students.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students currently enrolled in a health or health related degree program (undergraduate or postgraduate), at any institution, are eligible to attend.
Register by 6 March to secure your place.
Catering will be provided.
** Please note that due to limited capacity, preference is to accomodate Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students **
14 – 15 March 2019 Close the Gap for Vision by 2020 – National Conference 2019
Indigenous Eye Health (IEH) at the University of Melbourne and co-host Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance Northern Territory (AMSANT), are pleased to invite you to register for the Close the Gap for Vision by 2020:Strengthen & Sustain– National Conference 2019 which will be held at the Alice Springs Convention Centre on Thursday 14 and Friday 15 March 2019 in the Northern Territory. This conference is also supported by our partners, Vision 2020 Australia, Optometry Australia and the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists.
The 2019 conference, themed ‘Strengthen & Sustain’ will provide opportunity to highlight the very real advances being made in Aboriginal and Torres Strait eye health. It will explore successes and opportunities to strengthen eye care and initiatives and challenges to sustain progress towards the goal of equitable eye care by 2020. To this end, the conference will include plenary speakers, panel discussions and presentations as well as upskilling workshops and cultural experiences.
Registration (including workshops, welcome reception and conference dinner) is $250. Registrations close on 28 February 2019.
Who should attend?
The conference is designed to bring people together and connect people involved in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye care from local communities, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations, health services, non-government organisations, professional bodies and government departments from across the country. We would like to invite everyone who is working on or interested in improving eye health and care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.
Speakers will be invited, however this year we will also be calling for abstracts for Table Top presentations and Poster presentations – further details on abstract submissions to follow.
Please share and forward this information with colleagues and refer people to this webpage where the conference program and additional informationwill become available in the lead up to the conference. Note: Please use the conference hashtag #CTGV19.
We look forward to you joining us in the Territory in 2019 for learning and sharing within the unique beauty and cultural significance of Central Australia.
For the last 10 years many thousands of Australians from every corner of the country, in schools, businesses and community groups, have shown their support for Close the Gap by marking National Close the Gap Day each March.
This National Close the Gap Day, we have an opportunity to send our governments a clear message that Australians value health equality as a fundamental right for all.
On National Close the Gap Day we encourage you to host an activity in your workplace, home, community or school.
Our aim is to bring people together to share information, and most importantly, to take meaningful action in support of achieving Indigenous health equality by 2030.
How to get involved in National Close the Gap Day
Register your activity. You can download some online resources to support your event
Invite your friends, workmates and family to join you
Take action by signing the Close the Gap pledge and asking your friends and colleagues to do the same
Call, tweet or write to your local Member of Parliament and tell them that you want them to Close the Gap
With events ranging from workplace morning teas, sports days, school events and public events in hospitals and offices around the country — tens of thousands of people take part each year to make a difference.
Your actions can create lasting change. Be part of the generation that closes the gap.
National Close the Gap Day is a time for all Australians to come together and commit to achieving health equality for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
The Close the Gap Campaign will partner with Tharawal Aboriginal Aboriginal Medical Services, South Western Sydney, to host an exciting community event and launch our Annual Report.
The Australian Society of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery is hosting a workshop on Indigenous Ear Health in Brisbane on Thursday, 21 March 2019.
This meeting is the 7th to be organised by ASOHNS and is designed to facilitate discussion about the crucial health issue and impact of ear disease amongst Indigenous people.
The meeting is aimed at bringing together all stakeholders involved in managing Indigenous health and specifically ear disease, such as: ENT surgeons, GPs, Paediatricians, Nurses, Audiologists, Speech Therapists, Allied Health Workers and other health administrators (both State and Federal).
24 -27 March National Rural Health Alliance Conference
Interested in the health and wellbeing of rural or remote Australia?
This is the conference for you.
In March 2019 the rural health sector will gather in Hobart for the 15th National Rural Conference. Every two years we meet to learn, listen and share ideas about how to improve health outcomes in rural and remote Australia.
Proudly managed by the National Rural Health Alliance, the Conference has a well-earned reputation as Australia’s premier rural health event. Not just for health professionals, the Conference recognises the critical roles that education, regional development and infrastructure play in determining health outcomes, and we welcome people working across a wide variety of industries.
Join us as we celebrate our 15th Conference and help achieve equitable health for the 7 million Australians living in rural and remote areas.
Hobart and its surrounds was home to the Muwinina people who the Alliance acknowledges as the traditional and original owners of this land. We pay respect to those that have passed before us and acknowledge today’s Tasmanian Aboriginal community as the custodians of the land on which we will meet.
20 -24 May 2019 World Indigenous Housing Conference. Gold Coast
Thank you for your interest in the 2019 World Indigenous Housing Conference.
The 2019 World Indigenous Housing Conference will bring together Indigenous leaders, government, industry and academia representing Housing, health, and education from around the world including:
National and International Indigenous Organisation leadership
Senior housing, health, and education government officials Industry CEOs, executives and senior managers from public and private sectors
Housing, Healthcare, and Education professionals and regulators
Consumer associations
Academics in Housing, Healthcare, and Education.
The 2019 World Indigenous Housing Conference #2019WIHC is the principal conference to provide a platform for leaders in housing, health, education and related services from around the world to come together. Up to 2000 delegates will share experiences, explore opportunities and innovative solutions, work to improve access to adequate housing and related services for the world’s Indigenous people.
Event Information:
Key event details as follows:
Venue: Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre
Address: 2684-2690 Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach QLD 4218
Dates: Monday 20th – Thursday 23rd May, 2019 (24th May)
Registration Costs
EARLY BIRD – FULL CONFERENCE & TRADE EXHIBITION REGISTRATION: $1950 AUD plus booking fees
After 1 February FULL CONFERENCE & TRADE EXHIBITION REGISTRATION $2245 AUD plus booking fees
PLEASE NOTE: The Trade Exhibition is open Tuesday 21st May – Thursday 23rd May 2019
Please visit www.2019wihc.com for further information on transport and accommodation options, conference, exhibition and speaker updates.
Methods of Payment:
2019WIHC online registrations accept all major credit cards, by Invoice and direct debit. PLEASE NOTE: Invoices must be paid in full and monies received by COB Monday 20 May 2019.
Please note: The 2019 WIHC organisers reserve the right of admission. Speakers, programs and topics are subject to change. Please visit http://www.2019wihc.comfor up to date information.
Conference Cancellation Policy
If a registrant is unable to attend 2019 WIHC for any reason they may substitute, by arrangement with the registrar, someone else to attend in their place and must attend any session that has been previously selected by the original registrant.
Where the registrant is unable to attend and is not in a position to transfer his/her place to another person, or to another event, then the following refund arrangements apply:
Registrations cancelled less than 60 days, but more than 30 days before the event are eligible for a 50% refund of the registration fees paid.
Registrations cancelled less than 30 days before the event are no longer eligible for a refund.
Refunds will be made in the following ways:
For payments received by credit or debit cards, the same credit/debit card will be refunded.
For all other payments, a bank transfer will be made to the payee’s nominated account.
Important: For payments received from outside Australia by bank transfer, the refund will be made by bank transfer and all bank charges will be for the registrant’s account. The Cancellation Policy as stated on this page is valid from 1 October 2018.
At the Lowitja Institute International Indigenous Health and Wellbeing Conference 2019 delegates from around the world will discuss the role of First Nations in leading change and will showcase Indigenous solutions.
The conference program will highlight ways of thinking, speaking and being for the benefit of Indigenous peoples everywhere.
Join Indigenous leaders, researchers, health professionals, decision makers, community representatives, and our non-Indigenous colleagues in this important conversation.
7 -14 July 2019 National NAIDOC Grant funding round opens
The opening of the 2019 National NAIDOC Grant funding round has been moved forward! The National NAIDOC Grants will now officially open on Thursday 24 January 2019.
Head to www.naidoc.org.au to join the National NAIDOC Mailing List and keep up with all things grants or check out the below links for more information now!
24 -26 September 2019 CATSINaM National Professional Development Conference
The 2019 CATSINaM National Professional Development Conference will be held in Sydney, 24th – 26th September 2019. Make sure you save the dates in your calendar.
Further information to follow soon.
Date: Tuesday the 24th to Thursday the 26th September 2019
Location: Sydney, Australia
Organiser: Chloe Peters
Phone: 02 6262 5761
Email: admin@catsinam.org.au
5-8 November The Lime Network Conference New Zealand
This years #LIMEConnection whakatauki (theme for the conference) was developed by the Scientific Committee, along with Māori elder, Te Marino Lenihan & Tania Huria from @otago.
“Give the money to the Indigenous sector. Give the power to the Indigenous sector,
Indigenous people have to set their own priorities. You can’t have administration of very complex matters from the Canberra bubble. It’s not working and lives are being lost.
We must push for policies that give formal powers to the Indigenous sector and remove incompetent, bureaucratic bungling.
Indigenous people have to set their own priorities.”
Argued Professor Marcia Langton in a speech criticising many aspects of the governance of Indigenous affairs. Government is making life worse for Indigenous people, said Marcia but progress is possible.
Indigenous communities want greater freedom to decide their own priorities and choose how to spend government money.
That was one of the clear messages of last week’s ‘Reimagining public administration: First Peoples, governance and new paradigms’ conference in Melbourne, hosted by the Australia and New Zealand School of Government.
Langton and many others spoke of the government’s failure to listen to Indigenous communities about their needs, and the damage that caused.
“Most people who are informed about the status of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people agree that many of the present policy settings are contributing to a tragic and avoidable decline in their wellbeing.
“Please do not feel personally offended by what I have to say to you today,” she told the audience, many of whom work in the Indigenous affairs bureaucracy.
“But it must be said that we must all take responsibility and be courageous enough to take action, to put an end to the policies and programs that disempower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, not just causing a decline in their living standards, but accelerating them into permanent poverty.
“Especially the vulnerable. The children and youth are victims of a failed view of the Indigenous world and Indigenous people. This is a dystopian nightmare. We must imagine a future in which Indigenous people thrive and we must do whatever it takes to reach that future. This is urgent.”
Langton and others lamented that despite the huge amount of work that went into it and broad Indigenous stakeholder support, the Uluru Statement From the Heart has been largely dismissed or ignored by the government.
“The Uluru Statement From the Heart encapsulates all of these policy aspirations of the Indigenous world, and I fail to see how it is not being fully supported across the political and administrative spectrum,” she said.
“We need to be empowered to lift ourselves out of the state-imposed tangle of policies, programs and bureaucracy that excludes us and removes our agency. Only we can overcome, but you can help.”
Economic inclusion
While many Indigenous Australians in cities and regional areas were doing well, remote communities were the “forgotten people”, in many cases making little progress in recent years, Langton argues.
Economic inclusion is one of the key ways of improving Indigenous lives, and there are some glimmers of hope in policy.
“Throughout the world there’s a broad consensus that the only sustainable exit from poverty is economic progress with development that is inclusive of the most disadvantaged,” Langton argues.
“Fortunately, government and private sector procurement policies have developed, and these are including Indigenous businesses and building them into supply chains. This is the most important development in policy in years.
“The only sustainable exit from poverty is economic progress with development that is inclusive of the most disadvantaged.”
“But employment and training strategies are equally important. There will be little progress in achieving Indigenous parity if we do not address weaknesses in the approaches adopted on employment and training by successive governments.”
Government should enable Indigenous people to build better lives, rather than telling them how to, she says.
“Indigenous people must therefore carry the responsibility for driving this. It is they who must build human capital, assets and wealth, and do what’s needed to transition out of poverty, built on a strong educational foundation.
“This means being prepared to take risks, and learning the lessons of the past, including an over-dependence on government to solve problems, and less than fully productive investments of Indigenous time and money.
“But it also means new attitudes and ways of operating by governments, the business sector and the community more generally. The transformation will take time — to collect the data, to inform and involve those affected, and to embed new thinking and practice, including learning from those both here and overseas.”
She was especially critical of the Community Development Program, a work for the dole initiative in remote Indigenous communities, which is designed with a disconnect between pay and hours worked.
“We must have push-policies based on effective measures for economic inclusion. This means dismantling CDP, the punitive development project, so-called, and paying real wages for real work.”
Frustration with co-design
Co-design came up throughout the conference, frequently as a subject of frustration.
One of the key gripes is that government often doesn’t meet communities on a level playing field, using the cover of ‘co-design’ to try to get the rubber stamp for decisions already taken — a common complaint.
Lil Anderson, acting chief executive at New Zealand’s Te Arawhiti (Office for Maori-Crown Relations), noted many in government view ‘partnership’ with community as extending little beyond contracts for services.
But for many at the conference, even true co-design was still an unacceptable level of government intrusion in community affairs.
“Co-design by very definition means that there’s two people at the table.”
Karen Diver, previously special assistant for Native American affairs to President Obama and chair of a tribal government in Minnesota, argued co-design means communities are not fully in control of their own affairs.
“Co-design by very definition means that there’s two people at the table. And if I have to look at majority government, really none of their ideas have worked for 300 years. That was a part of our oppression,” she argues.
National and state governments often have a poor understanding of the needs and desires of Indigenous communities, so retaining control only makes things worse.
Diver used the example of creating a policy to reduce school delinquency.
“Give us the resources we need so we can singularly design what we need to do within our community. It might not be a school resource officer, it might not be law enforcement — it might be a bunch of grandmas, it might be peer support, it might be extra tutoring … but that also means we have the flexibility to meet each child where they’re at.
“The thing is that in small communities … we know who the dads are, the mums, the grandmas, we know what that family looks like and what sort of supports are there. It might not even be anything the child is doing, they might just be tired, because something’s going on at home. But this [community-run] department over here knows that too, because we also run our social services.”
Progress is possible
The experience of Aotearoa New Zealand shows improvement is possible, Langton believes.
In recent years, many Maori groups have been given reparations by the national government. Maori and the NZ government are only a few years away from completing all settlements for historical breaches of the 1841 Treaty of Waitangi. The settlements are a tiny fraction of what was lost, and many problems persist, but there is a feeling NZ is far ahead of Australia.
“Look across the ditch at the Maori progress, the Treaty of Waitangi, the Treaty of Waitangi Tribunal, the justice reinvestment, the economic development,” she says.
“It’s all possible, and I don’t see why we can’t have that here.”
Langton noted Victoria and the Northern Territory are pursuing treaties.
“But the Commonwealth government cannot even contemplate treaties.”
“ The National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation ( NACCHO ) is appalled that funding of almost $1.7 million to Redimed was approved by the federal Aboriginal Health Minister Ken Wyatt two weeks ago
I am totally perplexed how a non-Aboriginal, privately-owned company, that has no experience whatsoever of working in the delivery of comprehensive primary health to Aboriginal people, can be given a federal government grant of almost $1.7 million.”
Ms Donnella Mills, Acting Chair of NACCHO
Download full NACCHO Press Releaseor read Part 1 Below
“ The decision to award such significant funding to a non-Indigenous organisation goes completely against the sentiments made in Prime Minister’s recent statement at the launch of the Closing the Gap Report,”
Vicki O’Donnell, chair of the Aboriginal Health Council of WA, the peak body for the state’s 23 Aboriginal community-controlled health services said Aboriginal-controlled services were more accessible, performed better in key areas, and were the most cost-effective vehicles for delivering primary health care to Indigenous communities. See Full SMH Coverage Part 2
“ Our Aboriginal Community-Controlled Health Organisations have the right to self-determination and self-management under the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Unless government begins to enable our Aboriginal Organisations to provide community-driven strength-based approaches to our people, it will not close the gap.”
Moorditj Koort Aboriginal Health and Wellness Centre, Indigenous-owned and run in Perth since being founded in 2010, CEO Jonathan Ford told the National Indigenous Times that it was unethical for non-Indigenous organisations to receive funds for Indigenous health services.
“NACCHO strongly believes that any such funding should only be given when there is an open and transparent process. In this case it was not.
We already have two well established Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services operating in Perth, Derbal Yerrigan and Moorditj Court, and they would have welcomed the opportunity to apply for that funding.” she said.
“It is especially concerning that Redimed and its newly created entity, Aboriginal Medical Care 360 was not required to go through the proper normal application process that all our 145 Member Aboriginal Health Services must always do. Where is the clinical accreditation all our organisations must have prior to receiving government funding?” Ms Mills said.
“We trust the Federal Budget will include the much-needed funding of our sector that has repeatedly been sought and as outlined in our pre-budget submission lodged through Treasury in late January this year.” Ms Mills concluded.
Part 2 : Despite DIY rhetoric, federal Aboriginal health grant goes to non-Indigenous WA service
The federal Liberal government has shocked the Indigenous community by awarding almost $1.7 million from a funding program aimed at Aboriginal health services to a non-Indigenous organisation that employs a former WA Liberal minister.
Privately owned Redimed has former WA Liberal health minister Kim Hames on its staff as a GP.
Self-described in advertising materials as a “provider of specialised medical and injury management services”, it has not previously listed Indigenous health as a specialty.
But it says its pilot program will create Indigenous jobs and address unmet healthcare demand in one of Perth’s priority areas for Closing the Gap.
Senate estimates 22 February revealed there had been no tender process, closed or otherwise; the company had made an unsolicited bid for the two-year grant, approved by Indigenous Health Minister Ken Wyatt.
A fortnight ago, when the 11th annual Closing the Gap report revealed that only two of seven targets were on track – neither concerning life expectancy – Prime Minister Scott Morrison had said the system was “set up to fail” through a lack of true partnership with Indigenous people, and promised an equal role for Indigenous leaders in redesigning the Closing the Gap process.
But the Indigenous community has “major concerns” about this federal funding decision, said a public statement from Vicki O’Donnell, chair of the Aboriginal Health Council of WA, the peak body for the state’s 23 Aboriginal community-controlled health services.
Ms O’Donnell queried how Redimed would add value to the two Aboriginal-controlled services already operating in Midland that had built connections with local Aboriginal people.
“How was the need for this additional service determined when there are already existing services in the area including Mooditj Koort, Derbarl Yerrigan and other not-for profit services?” she said.
She questioned how Redimed’s capacity to deliver the contract was determined, in terms of clinical accreditation and experience in delivering primary health care to Aboriginal people.
She also asked why, if additional funding was available, the government would not increase the support for the two Aboriginal-controlled services in Midland to expand.
Ms O’Donnell said Aboriginal-controlled services were more accessible, performed better in key areas, and were the most cost-effective vehicles for delivering primary health care to Indigenous communities.
“The decision to award such significant funding to a non-Indigenous organisation goes completely against the sentiments made in Prime Minister’s recent statement at the launch of the Closing the Gap Report,” she said.
The $800 million federal funding stream is “primarily aimed at and spent on Aboriginal-controlled organisations”, according to the Health Department.
About 85 per cent of its funding for front-line medical care goes to Aboriginal-controlled organisations, and another 10 per cent goes to state government services.
Only 5 per cent goes elsewhere, including now to Redimed for the pilot program of health assessments and follow-up home visits for Indigenous people in Rockingham, Joondalup and the eastern suburbs.
Moorditj Koort Aboriginal Health and Wellness Centre, Indigenous-owned and run in Perth since being founded in 2010, told the National Indigenous Times that it was unethical for non-Indigenous organisations to receive funds for Indigenous health services.
“Our Aboriginal Community-Controlled Health Organisations have the right to self-determination and self-management under the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples,” he said.
“Unless government begins to enable our Aboriginal Organisations to provide community-driven strength-based approaches to our people, it will not close the gap.”
After questions from WA Senator Rachel Siewert in a Senate estimates hearing, the Health Department’s Caroline Edwards said while the “key focus” of the funding program was supporting Aboriginal-controlled organisations, the department was also “looking at alternative methods of primary care and alternative delivery methods to cater for different types of circumstances.”
“This particular grant is one of those instances of having a go at a different form of delivery to see how it works in a particular area,” she said.
Redimed won the grant on condition it consult and collaborate with Indigenous organisations. It says Koya Aboriginal Corporation in Midland will lead delivery of the project and will face independent evaluation at the end of the two years.
“We did state that the pilot was not to duplicate any already funded service and was to serve only clients who weren’t already visiting other funded services,” the Health Department’s Mark Roddam said at the estimates hearing.
Indigenous Health Minister Ken Wyatt emphasised the Redimed plan would be delivered in partnership with Koya Aboriginal Corporation in a “holistic and culturally focused” way.
He said it was normal for this funding program to receive unsolicited bids.
“It aims to fill a gap in services in two areas of Perth where there has been significant growth in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations,” he said.
“Under the Indigenous Australians’ Health Program, unsolicited funding applications can be assessed against IAHP Guidelines. The key consideration is their capacity to help in Closing the Gap in health equality.”
A Redimed spokesman said Dr Hames was part of the initial funding application advisory team but was not involved with the team of 14 that developed the pilot program and submitted the final funding application.
Asked about Redimed’s Indigenous healthcare qualifications, he said the pilot would be delivered by a newly created entity, Aboriginal Medical Care 360, in close partnership with Koya and the Pindi Pindi Centre of Research Excellence in Aboriginal Wellbeing.
Koya Aboriginal Corporation founding chairman and stolen generation survivor Allan Kickett, and Pindi Pindi patron Professor Fiona Stanley, both supported Redimed’s research and Mr Kickett would be in a leadership role on its delivery.
“Medical Practitioners care for people from all cultures and Redimed is already caring for Aboriginal patients,” he said.
“Statistics show that a high percentage of Aboriginal people are unable to attend Aboriginal Health centres for a variety of reasons, including not having access to or being able to afford transport to and from appointments.
“To address this, AMC360 will deliver health care in people’s homes or in local community settings where patients have family and friends close by.”
He said these home services, delivered by Aboriginal clinicians, were a key point of difference to existing services.
He said the Greater City of Swan region was a federal priority area for Closing the Gap and up to 20 new Indigenous jobs would be created through the project.
State Coroner Ros Fogliani’s recent report into a string of Indigenous children’s suicides in the Kimberley resulted in 42 recommendations for this state.
Many of these, as well as the overall conclusion to the report, used the recommendations to push for better service design and delivery by Aboriginal people themselves.
She recommended the principles of self-determination and empowerment be given emphasis in programs relating to Aboriginal people in WA; that Aboriginal people and organisations be involved in setting and formulating policy and to share service delivery responsibilities.
“The considerable services already being provided to the region are not enough. They are still being provided from the perspective of mainstream services, that are adapted in an endeavour to fit into a culturally relevant paradigm,” she wrote.
“It may be time to consider whether the services themselves need to be co-designed in a completely different way, that recognises at a foundational level, the need for a more collective and inclusive approach.”
The Closing the Gap report revealed that while targets for increased participation in early childhood education and higher rates of year 12 attainment among Indigenous students were on track, the other five targets were not.
There had been little progress towards closing the gap in life expectancy, halving the gap in child mortality rates, halving the gap in employment and in reading and numeracy and closing the gap in school attendance.
